The Federal Communications Commission this week set the rules for devices intended for operation in FirstNet, the United States’ first wireless broadband network dedicated to first responders and emergency services.
The network will reportedly be funded at $7 billion through TV spectrum auction proceeds, with another $135 million allotted for a state and local implementation grant program, and will operate in the 700 MHz spectrum from 758 to 768 MHz and 788 to 798 MHz.
“The rules, which include power limits and other technical parameters for operating in this spectrum band, will provide a foundation for FirstNet’s operations, help avoid harmful interference to spectrum users in adjacent bands, and expedite the availability of equipment for use on the public safety network, thereby fostering competition and innovation in the marketplace,” the FCC said in a statement.
According to the FCC’s “700 MHz Public Safety Broadband Service Rules Report and Order,” power levels will be limited to “3,000 microwatts per square meter on the ground within 1,000 meters of the base of an antenna for any signal transmitted in excess of 1,000 watts effective radiated power.” Out-of-band emissions will be restricted to protect adjacent-band operations, as well as GPS receivers at 1,559 to 1,610 MHz.
While the FCC initially proposed a field strength limit of 40 dBuV/M to prevent interference between FirstNet and any statewide networks deployed in the spectrum, the commission ultimately ruled it is not “necessary at this time to adopt a field strength limit for RANs operated in FirstNet’s licensed spectrum” on the basis that “a state electing to deploy its own network must submit an interoperability plan for the commission’s approval.”
The rules also address the equipment certification process and other issues bought up in the comment record.
