FCC Changes the Rules

In a move that actually makes sense the FCC changes the method of how output power is measured for PCS and AWS-1 equipment. To quote the FCC release –

Today’s rule changes offer greater flexibility to PCS and AWS-1 operators, are more
technologically neutral, and will better accommodate broadband technologies. The PSD model also has the potential to reduce network infrastructure costs, thus enabling providers to offer enhanced wireless broadband services, including to consumers living in rural America.

The existing PCS and AWS-1 rules measure radiated power in terms of watts per emission and limit power output regardless of bandwidth size. In the PSD model, radiated power levels are calculated on a watts-per-megahertz basis when operating with greater than one megahertz of bandwidth.

Effectively it means that the higher bands like 700mhz, 2.6 & 5Ghz will be permitted to emit more watts to the antenna. In a world that will be dominated by spread spectrum technologies this is a good move. This will also extend the reach of many of these services.

Course those TinHats in California won’t be happy.

Link to order.