Advanced Tech for Managing Spectrum, FM Changes Top FCC August Agenda

The broad-ranging spectrum NOI asks for technical comments. “This NOI represents a technical inquiry on how to better obtain more sophisticated knowledge of non-Federal spectrum usage -- and how we could take advantage of modern capabilities for doing so in a cost-effective, accurate, scalable, and actionable manner,” it says: “We do not invite comment on substantive changes to our underlying spectrum policies or service rules, including eligibility criteria, buildout requirements, band allocations, technical limitations, sharing regimes, or licensing frameworks. We also recognize, but do not seek comment on, the economic or social value created by operators’ spectrum-based services.”

The NOI seeks comment on the “capabilities and limitations” of existing commission practices on real-time spectrum usage. It seeks “feedback on what definitions appropriately capture the extent to which a set of frequencies is being utilized” and on “band-specific considerations” for examining spectrum usage. “Spectrum bands do not have uniform service requirements, operational systems, or technical characteristics,” the item notes.

The notice asks about “potential challenges inherent to obtaining better data,” including “cost and burden, standardization and technical accuracy.” It cites potential sources of data, including crowdsourcing, outside databases, modeling and direct observation and asks for comment on each.

“We are particularly interested in the current state of spectrum measurement tools, ranging from sophisticated and costly instruments to widely deployable and low-cost devices,” the NOI says: “We seek comment on monitoring and sensing technologies available in the market today, with special attention to cost and scale. Can cost-effective, commercially available sensors be deployed to measure utilization? Is specialized equipment needed? Does spectrum monitoring technology exist today that is interoperable, low-cost, high-resolution, and privacy-preserving?” It asks about next things the commission should do.

The topic of how AI can be used to manage spectrum came up repeatedly during an FCC AI workshop Thursday (see 2307130048).

AI can make use of spectrum use more efficient than previously possible, Rosenworcel said at the workshop. “We can take newfound cognitive abilities and teach our wireless devices to manage transmissions on their own,” she said: “Smarter radios using AI can work with each other without a central authority dictating the best use of spectrum in every environment.”

“Network patterns will be changing,” said Lisa Guess, Cradlepoint senior vice president-global sales engineering. “We’re going to need more and more efficiency out of spectrum, and we’re going to need to leverage AI to take what we have today” and “squeeze every little bit that we can out of it,” she said.

AI “can help make our networks better,” said Commissioner Geoffrey Starks. “As spectrum becomes increasingly scare, how can AI help us predict which frequencies will be used -- where, how, for how long -- and ultimately drive utilization and efficiency that we all need,” he said. The Wireless Bureau launched a new docket, 23-232, for comments in the proceeding.

FM Radio

Commissioners will also vote on an NPRM seeking comment on changing the way maximum power for digital FM stations is determined and the process for allowing digital transmissions at different power levels on the upper and lower digital sidebands “The goal is to improve digital FM signal quality and coverage while minimizing harmful interference,” said the chairwoman’s post Thursday.

The item stems from petitions filed by NAB and Xperi (see 2301130053) which were widely supported by broadcasters when they were put out for comment. NAB and Xperi said the proposed changes would improve digital FM coverage and digital FM signal penetration of buildings while minimizing interference.

The draft NPRM tentatively concludes that granting the petitions would “advance the Commission’s commitment toward improving the FM terrestrial digital radio service,” and seeks comment on possible changes to the process for authorizing digital FM power increases, the permissions and notice required for transmissions on the sidebands, and interference protections.

The ACP order would "incentivize providers to participate in the ACP or remain in the ACP in rural and insular areas, further narrowing the digital divide," said a fact sheet. The item would adopt rules for households in "high-cost areas as defined by NTIA," and require providers approved to offer the enhanced benefit to "annually resubmit an economic hardship" and steps that will be taken for ACP customers "if the provider no longer qualifies to offer the high-cost area benefit." The draft order declines to adopt recommendations that providers be allowed to qualify for the enhanced benefit "based solely on the receipt of USF high-cost support."