SB QST @ ARL $ARLB032
ARLB032 FCC Action Puts Amateur Allocation in Peril

ZCZC AG32
QST de W1AW  
ARRL Bulletin 32  ARLB032
From ARRL Headquarters  
Newington CT  August 9, 2001
To all radio amateurs 

SB QST ARL ARLB032
ARLB032 FCC Action Puts Amateur Allocation in Peril

The FCC has included a primary Amateur Service allocation among
bands it plans to examine to support the introduction of advanced
wireless systems, including third-generation (3G) mobile systems.
Meeting August 9, the FCC said it will seek comments on reallocating
some spectrum in the 2390 to 2400 MHz amateur segment as well as in
the non-amateur 1.9 and 2.1 GHz bands for unspecified mobile and
fixed services.

The FCC adopted a Memorandum Opinion and Order and Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that explores additional bands to support
advanced wireless and 3G services. The FCC said the further
proceeding supplements the record of its January 2000 advanced
wireless spectrum proposals by providing ''new allocation options,''
adding that it would ''seek comment on the benefits and costs of
each.''

The Commission said it ''intends to explore spectrum options that
would complement, rather than substitute for'' alternatives
identified in the January 2000 NPRM. Besides 2390 to 2400 MHz, the
additional bands are 1910-1930 MHz, 1990-2025 MHz, 2150-2160 MHz,
and 2165-2200 MHz. The 2390-2400 MHz band is also available for
certain unlicensed uses under FCC Part 15 rules.

ARRL General Counsel Chris Imlay, W3KD, cautioned the Amateur Radio
community to hold off any comments to the FCC until the Commission
actually issues its Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and
requests comments.

In addition to 2390 to 2400 MHz, the Amateur Service has primary
allocations in this part of the spectrum at 2402 to 2417 MHz. The
ARRL has asked the FCC to grant the Amateur Service primary status
at 2400 to 2402 MHz. Earlier this year, the ARRL re-petitioned the
FCC for primary status at 2300 to 2305 MHz.
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