FCC Adopts Rules for Unlicensed Use of the 6 GHz Band

FCC publishes new rules in the Federal Register designed to optimize unlicensed access by authorizing two types of unlicensed operations in the 6 GHz band.

The Commission is authorizing standard-power access points that operate under the control of an automated frequency coordination system in portions of the 6 GHz band, additionally opening the entire 6 GHz band for unlicensed indoor low power access points. The Commission will also permit unlicensed client devices to communicate with both the standard-power and low-power access points. These new rules provide use of up to 320-megahertz channels to expand capacity and increase performance.

These new rules have an effective date of July 27, 2020.

REF:

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-05-26/pdf/2020-11236.pdf

 

European Union postpones new requirements for medical devices

On Friday, April 17, 2020 The European Parliament has adopted the Commission proposal to postpone the implementation of new approval rules for medical devices,

 

New regulations for medical devices, expected to be fully applicable on May 26, 2020, proposed to be postponed for 1 year (new effective date May 26, 2021).

 

In a press release by the European Parliament they note;

 

“The European Parliament is therefore supporting the proposal to postpone the application of this Regulation by one year to allow authorities and manufacturers alike to prioritise the fight against the coronavirus pandemic by continuing under current procedures.”

 

The European Member States will need to approve the proposal and publish in the Official Journal of the European Union. Expectations are this will happen prior to May 26, 2020.

 

The In Vitro Diagnostics Medical Devices Regulation is not affected by the new proposal, and its applicability date remains, effective May 26, 2022.

 

Ref:

 

EU Parliament press release

 

New regulations on medical devices

European Union - Internet connected and wearable radio equipment

Update - European Union - Report for the initiative on "internet connected radio equipment and wearable radio equipment" can be found here.

Radio Equipment Directive Standards update

February 6, 2020 - New  Harmonised Standards published in the Official Journal of the European Union with reference to the Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU / RED

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv:OJ.L_.2020.034.01.0046.01.ENG&toc=OJ:L:2020:034:TOC

Wireless Spectrum changes, on the Road to Smarter Transportation

FCC Rule amendment for 5 GHz U-NII Band 4

FCC Proposes to permit unlicensed operation in the lower 45 MHz of the U-NNI Band 4 from 5.850 to 5.895 GHz under part 15 of cfr title 47.

This proposal would also permit Intelligent Transport Systems(ITS) operation in the upper 30 MHz of the band from 5.895 to 5.925 GHz under part 90 and 95 of cfr title 47.

ITS operation would consist of Cellular Vehicle to Everything (C-V2X) devices at 5.905 to 5.925 GHz and C-V2X and/or Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) devices at 5.895 to 5.905 GHz

The FCC is also asking for comments/feedback on alternative spectrum band approaches and if it would better achieve the goal of maximizing the effective use of the spectrum in the 5.9 GHz band, including different sub-band sizes or greater flexibility for the introduction of additional vehicular safety communications technology. Comments due on or before March 9, 2020, reply comments due on or before April 6, 2020.

REF:

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-02-06/pdf/2020-02086.pdf

U.S. Spectrum Increase for 5G

December 12th, 2019 -

The FCC announces it is moving toward facilitating shared use in the 3.1 to 3.55 GHz band in pursuit of the proposed reforms within last year's MOBILE NOW act passed by Congress. The reforms seek to boost development of next generation broadband (5G Wireless).

Press release and full details available at:

https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-considers-facilitating-shared-use-31-355-ghz-band

5 GHz Wi-Fi Interference, FCC Issues Warning

The FCC Issued a public notice targeted at operators, manufacturers and marketers of wireless transmitters operating in the 5.25 GHz to 5.35 GHz and 5.47 GHz to 5.725 GHz band, commonly referred to as Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (UNII) devices. The most common consumer/commercial wireless product operating in these bands being 5 GHz Wi-Fi devices.

This FCC enforcement advisory explains what rules apply, what the U-NII operator should do to comply, and what manufacturers and retailers must do to comply. Retailers include both on-line (e.g. Amazon) and brick-and-mortar locations.

The advisory warns of significant penalties, not limited to substantial monetary fines, for operators, manufacturers and retailers for failure to comply with the Title 47, Part 15 rules.

The FCC advisory casts a large net and it squarely places the responsibility for compliance on the shoulders of not only the user and the manufacturer but also, as we are seeing more and more from the FCC, including online retailers of such devices.

Interference from non-compliant devices to Doppler weather radar stations, used by aviation to detect wind shear and other weather-related dangers, is potentially life threatening.

REF: FCC Public Notice DA 19-807

Related:

FCC TAKES ACTION AGAINST COMPANIES THAT INTERFERED WITH FAA WEATHER RADAR IN PUERTO RICO