Comments of Northern Telecom. Inc.

1820-EX-PL-1991 Text Documents

BNR, INC.

2002-07-31ELS_57554

  Response to Notice of Inquiry

             Relating to

      Establishment of New

Personal Communications Services




    Federal Communications Commission
             Docket No. 90—314



             October 1, 1990




          tss       northen


                                      Before the
                         Federal Communications Commission
                               Washington, D.C. 20554




In the matter of



Amendment of the Commission‘s Rules                Gen. Docket No. 90—314
to Establish New Personal                          RM—71 40
Communications Services                            RM—7175




                          Comments of Northern Telecom Inc.




                                                         Albert Halprin
                                                         Stephen L. Goodman
                                                         Verner, Liipfert, Bernhard
                                                          McPherson and Hand
                                                         901 15th Street, N.W.
                                                         Washington, D.C. 20005
                                                         (202) 371—6000

                                                         Counsel for
                                                         Northern Telecom Inc.



Of Counsel:

John G. Lamb, Jr.
Northern Telecom Inc.
2100 Lakeside Boulevard
Richardson, Texas 75081
(214) 437—8000




Dated: October 1, 1990


                                         TABLE OF CONTENTS




                                                                                        —F
1.0    Introduction

2.0   Service Requirements for PCS




                                                                                                          J G
      2.1           Mobility
      2.2           Improvement of Loop Access Functionality—To—
                    Cost Ratio




                                                                                                           co O
      2.3           PCS and Spectrum Relationship

3.0    Spectrum Allocation Issues




                                                                                         m D N D D NJ NJ NJ 4 —4 —A «h aah «i
                                                                                         o o A JA h Q —a — ~| / O Q — O
      3.1           Need for An Allocation
      3.2           How Much Spectrum
      3.3           Where in the Spectrum
                    3.3.1   Short Term
                    3.3.2    Long Term
      3.4           Sharing
                    3.4.1           Coordinated Sharing
                    3.4.2            CDMA Sharing
                    Cordless Telephones (46—49 MHz)
      & G
            o on




                    Proposal
                    3.6.1    immediate Development
                                    930—931 MHz and 940—941 MHz
                   & Q Q
                           o o o
                           A Q NN




                                    Common Air interface
                                    Share Use of 930—960 MHz bands by Low
                                    Power PCS




                                                                                             DJ
                                                                                                           J
                                    Band Development and Characteristics                         30
                   &
                           J O
                             o in




                                    Pilanning Longer Term PCS Development




                                                                                             &
                                                                                             O
4.0   Standards and Architectures
      4 .1     Network Service Intelligence and Standards
      4 .2    Survey of Current Mobile Services Standards Activities
                    4.2.1           TDMA in North America
                    4.2.2            CDMA Proposals for North America
                    4.2.3            Pan European CT2
                    4.2.4           DECT/GSM and PCN Standards Evolution in Europe
                    4.2.5            PCI Standard Low Power Digital Standard Proposal
                                    for North America                                            44

5.0   Regulatory Issues                                                                          45
      §.1      Regulatory Restrictions on Services                                               45
      5.2      Numbering Plans                                                                   46
      5.3      Licensing Handsets                                                                46

6.0   Conclusion                                                                                 46


                                           SUMMARY



The Federal Communications Commission initiative in enhancing telecommunications by
assigning radio spectrum to provide a broad range of new advanced mobile personal
communications services will provide benefits for millions of Americans.                Personal
communications services are expected to benefit the communications industry as a
whole,    end—users,   existing    service   providers,     and    new entrants.       Personal
communications       systems,     in   conjunction   with   the    adoption of     a   "personal
telecommunications number" numbering plan, will allow individuals to place calls and
be reached anytime and anywhere.             Implementation of these services will require
development of an infrastructure that includes radio access, personal communications
devices, a unique calling number associated with an individual, voice and narrowband
data transport and access to intelligent network signaling and database capabilities.


Northern Telecom Inc. (Northern Telecom) respectfully suggests that the following
specific concrete steps should be undertaken now to bring the promise of personal
communications to fruition.


   1. The immediate allocation of 930—931 MHz and 940—941 MHz on a primary
         basis, and the adjacent 930—960 MHz on a co—primary sharing basis, for first
         generation personal communication services.. This initial allocation will satisfty
         the latent demand for low power personal communication services that permit
         two—way wireless communications within buildings and in transit at various
         public locations, as well as "priming the pump" by creating a large base of
         equipment and service providers.       Northern Telecom does not agree with the
         recent proposal to allocate 930—931 MHz for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) mobile
         satellite systems for reasons provided herein.


   2. Adopt the Personal Communications Interface Standard (PCI) as the U.S. standard
         for providing low—power pedestrian and in—building (work and residential!)
         systems using the spectrum outlined above.               The proposed PCI standard
         incorporates advanced digital architecture with common channel signaling, a
         common air interface and call handoff to offer a model for low—power, spectrum
         efficient, two—way communications networks.         The PCI standard specifications
         are attached as an Annex to this document.


. The Commission should foster the use of digital standards already adopted for
  cellular mobile radio channel allocation in the 800 MHz band to permit relief of
  spectrum congestion in a growing number of metropolitan areas. Evolving
  technologies applied in the band will significantly increase the spectrum density
  of mobile users who can be served by cellular operators in congested areas.


. The   Commission      should   further   encourage   software    based   network
  infrastructures that are currently being deployed by carriers.   These can cost—
  effectively provide functionality to permit universal number access to mobile
  users across both public and private network nodes.          Utilization of these
  infrastructures can    contribute to the cost effectiveness of personal
  communications services.                                            |

. The Commission should examine the feasibility of allocating additional spectrum
  above 1GHz to meet the demand for pérsonal communications services that are
  expected to track the explosive growth of cellular telephone services in the U.S.
  If demand for services meets current projections, the available spectrum below
  1 GHz will be exhausted in the mid to late 1990‘s.       The FCC should begin
  immediately to provide an additional allocation of spectrum above 1 GHz to meet
  this need. In the short term, the spectrum can be on a shared basis, but in the
  longer term Northern Telecom believes that primary exclusive allocation of
  spectrum will be required.


. The Commission needs to examine allocating spectrum for potentially cost
  effective wireless distribution of access services for voice and narrowband data
  in certain applications. Northern Telecom stands ready to assist the Commission
  in this regard.


. Alternatives exist for providing personal communications services by means of
 various radio technologies such as FDMA, CDMA/spread spectrum, TDMA, etc.
  The Commission should encourage, through the granting of experimental licenses,
  trial services using these technologies, and the identification of recommended
  standards to be utilized in bands reserved for personal communications services
  at the 1992 WARC. Only if the industry is not successful in agreeing on radio
  technologies to be utilized in these bands within a reasonable time frame, should
  the Commission intervene.      Standards should be adopted to minimize frag—


                                      11


       mentation of the market place and balkanization of the spectrum, thus
       maximizing the interworking opportunities for personal communications.


   8. To permit the rapid evolution of personal communications services in accordance
       with the road map suggested by Northern Telecom, the Commission should create
       a regulatory environment that minimizes regulatory restrictions on services,
       and focuses primarily on necessary requirements for network interoperability,
       prevention of radio interference,   and efficient bandwidth utilization.   Although
       equipment type approval may be required, there should be no individual user
       licensing of handsets or base stations for customer premise.      The Commission
       should, to the maximum extent possible, allow free—market forces to dictate both
       the suppliers and availability of services.


   9. New licensing policies should favor innovative applications of technology by
       existing operators and new entrants, maintaining a level playing field that seeks
       to maximize benefits for the end user.           in addition, Northern Telecom
       recommends that the Commission adopt licensing policies to encourage
       networking and interoperability on a wide area basis, while optimizing the
       number of licensees to maximize spectral efficiency.          By initiating and/or
       supervising these activities, the Commission can bring the benefits of PCS to the
       American public, and speed the development and growth of PCS globally.


In summary, Northern Telecom applauds the Commission for initiating this Notice of
Inquiry. Northern Telecom is ready to cooperate fully with the FCC in its attempt to help
launch an array of new services to the American public that will enhance
communications services for the millions of people who are on the move.


1.0         Introduction


Northern Telecom Inc. (Northern Telecom) hereby submits its comments in response to
the Federal Communications Commission Notice of Inquiry on Personal Communications
Services.! Northern Telecom is the second largest telecommunications manufacturer in
the U.S. Northern Telecom is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, and has more than
22,000 employees in the U.S. in 12 manufacturing plants, and in marketing, sales and
service offices across the nation.          Northern Telecom‘s research subsidiary, Bell
Northern Research Inc. (BNR), operates several research and development centers
throughout the United States.


Northern Telecom has a strong interest in ensuring the growth and development of
mobile telecommunications throughout the world. With this inquiry, the FCC focuses on
the role of the radio spectrum in bringing a broad range of Personal Communications
Services ("PCS") to fruition, a worthy goal in view of the enormous potential benefits of
PCS. Market research conducted by Northern Telecom confirms the extensive demand
for Personal Communications Services. Approximately 45% of all U.S. workers require
some type of mobile communications.           In addition Northern Telecom anticipates the
potential for millions of residential units being deployed within five years of the
introduction of PCS services.


in its comments, Northern Telecom will attempt to assist the Commission‘s inquiry by
providing a framework in which proposed frequency allocations can be evaluated in the
context of an intelligent wireline/wireless infrastructure that permits voice and/or
narrowband data communications to and from individuals without regard to physical
location.     in similar fashion, our framework is also intended to assist in the
Commission‘s understanding of the appropriate role of radio—based connectivity in
providing a broader range of switched communications systems ranging from voice and
narrowband data to higher bandwidth systems that will be necessitated by the voice, data
and image communications requirements of the future.


‘Amendment of the Commission‘s Rules to Establish New Personal Communications
Services, 5 FCC Red 3995 (1990) ("NOI"). Many of the comments in this response bear
upon activities of the FCC in preparation for the World Administrative Radio Conference
in 1992 (WARC—92).         Northern Telecom thus requests that these comments also be entered
under Gen. Docket 89—554, while respectfully reserving the right to make additional
comments in that proceeding.


in order to focus the debate concerning the appropriate technology and standards to
support PCS, it is necessary to clarify the terminology "CT—2 type", "PCN type" and
"PCS" used by the Commission in the NOI. Advanced Digital Cordless, PCN, and cellular
systems are all personal communications systems, but differ in coverage, technology
investment and relative deployment price.                                   Figure 1.1 illustrates their relationships.


Figure 1.1




    Advanced Digital Cordless, PCN, PCS Relationships


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                                                                      i                   NPrivate
                                                                                                 rk              Cellular
                                                                                                                       6               1
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    :
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"CT—2 type" and Advanced Digital Cordiess ("a" in Figure 1.1) describe the low power
radio access systems (including terminals and base stations) which provide wireless
extensions to existing systems. "PCN" ("b" in Figure 1.1) may utilize the same handset
or terminal, but has network capability and expanded service management capabilities
so that a user can, for instance, roam between cells. "PCS" ("c" in Figure 1.1) has the
broadest mobility context, and covers all the various mobile services so that a user can,
for instance, be reached using the same number whether he is using his Advanced
Digital Cordless type terminal or a mobile service in his car. The key to this seamless
personal communication environment is in the PCS Mobility Management ("d" in Figure
1.1) function which will provide the necessary linkages among various PCN‘s; i.e., the
public switched telephone network ("PSTN"), private networks and cellular networks.


2.0        Service Requirements for PCS


There are two needs which place demands on radio spectrum that will drive the demand
for PCS:
   —       Mobility
    —      Loop access functionality—to—cost ratio improvement
We will address each of these needs separately.

    2 .1         MOBILITY


PCS should be viewed as a robust service; PCS will be able to meet diverse needs in
diverse environments. The service requirement for those users who require service in
only one building are most easily understood and satisfied. The basic requirement is
typically for connectivity to the wireline network via radio spectrum.       To date this
requirement has largely been satisfied for residential users through analog cordless
telephones provided under FCC Part 15. However, business users operate in areas of
higher user densities, and demand higher voice quality and communication security than
current analog cordiess phones offer.     As a result, the needs of many individuals who
must be in constant two—way voice communications within buildings (e.g., doctors,
nurses, service and support staffs) remain unsatisfied.


The need for mobile communications at more than one site adds a requirement for a
common number (as well as a common available frequency if wireless communications
is required at the different sites).        Fortunately, flexible network architectures
incorporating     advanced intelligence network infrastructure concepts, intelligent
signa'ling such as Signaling System No. 7 (SS7) and network databases can readily evolve
to facilitate the use of a common called number to access a user at more than one location.


Users requiring continuous mobility within a larger area demand the next level of
intra—network connectivity, which involves handoffs between multiple cells within a
broad contiguous geographic area. This requirement for roaming is generally satisfied
today by analog cellular technology. As the cost of providing the service decreases and
demand increases, existing system and radio spectrum capacity must be increased to
satisfty this demand.    Although the cellular industry is well positioned to expand its
capacity to address this need through advanced digital and microcellular technology, the
expected explosive growth of a variety of mobile telecommunications requirements will


open up tremendous opportunities for complementary PCS service providers, and
further accelerate advances in PCS technology development.               This growth and
development will in turn rapidly lead to a seamless PCS environment.


Those users requiring wide area continuous mobility involving multiple cities with
multiple carriers —— or a handoff between private wireless PBX network systems and
public wireless networks —— require the most sophisticated network capabilities.       The
handoff between radio base stations connected to the same switching center is relatively
simple. The handoff between radio base stations connected to different switching centers
requires detailed handoff specifications, e.g. the IS—41 specification for cellular system
interconnections developed by TR45.       Such specifications must be incorporated and
tested between different equipment vendors and networks operatofs to ensure
interoperability.    Once such specifications are in place for PCS, intelligent network
capabilities incorporated in each network can make the system technically and
economically feasible, provided radio spectrum is available.


Mobility needs can thus be placed into four general categories. An understanding of these
differing needs can facilitate the Commission‘s analysis of the service and spectrum
requirements of personal communications services.

    1. Single       Location — Discrete Mobility — These users may desire only
        location—dependent services (e.g., doctors or nurses within a hospital).      Such
        users require only a wireless extension to get local mobility within a single
        premises.

   2. Coordinated Multiple Locations — Discrete Mobility — These users want
        to call ffom or be reached at multiple locations from a single access number.
        However, they do not need to be in touch while in transit between these locations.
        Both wireless or wired terminals can be used. The locations can also be local,
        within a few city blocks, or across the country.

   3. Continuous Operator Mobility — These users need to be in touch whenever
        and wherever they are within a well defined area, such as several city blocks or
        within a city. This, by definition, requires wireless access. The range of this
        regional mobility can also be defined from an operator‘s perspective. For
        example, the service falls within this category even if it spans multiple cities, as


       long as the mobility requirements fall within an operator‘s continuous service
       area.

   4. Multiple Operator Continuous Mobility — These users are similar to the
       previous set, except they operate over a wider area, for example, multiple cities.
       From an operator‘s perspective, it may be considered as Wide Area as soon as it
       crosses multiple operator system boundaries even within the same city.


There are a multitude of current telecommunications systems and architectures which
will be affected by the development and deployment of PCS. PCS will have a significant
impact on network intelligence, switching systems, residential access, Centrex, Key
Systems, PBX systems, pay telephones and cellular systems.


PCS as it ultimately evolves can be described as the services and capabilities required to
enable users to gain access to telecommunications services across different
environments and supporting systems in a transparent manner using various wireless
access technologies.    More broadly, PCS also will permit users to obtain enhanced
personal communications capabilities available from wireline networks using both
wired and wireless access.


In such an environment, an objective of long term radio spectrum planning should be an
integrated, common bandwidth allocation that meets all of the previously described four
types of needs. Such an approach would facilitate the use of a common mobile receiver
and common handset—to—base station interface, eliminating the need for multiple
transceivers as a user moves from indoor to outdoor settings, and between networks.
Such a common service interface is outlined in Figure II.1.


Figure    I1.1




     PCS and Mobile User Implications




                 Location lndomndant. s§:tom Independent, User Intertace and Universa) PCS
                 Features are   eded to  rve Roamming Users Across Different Environments




   2.2             IMPROVEMENT OF LOOP ACCESS FUNCTIONALITY—TO—COST
                   RATIO


Figure I1.2 summarizes local exchange investment in plant in service, plant additions
and plant specific operating expenses for year end 1989 and total year 1989
respectively.2        Outside plant comprises the major portion of both investment and
ongoing operating expense of the physical network. These investments include the costs
of feeder facilities, distribution facilities, and individual customer drops.         The costs of
installing and maintaining a loop are greatest closest to the customer, as they tend to be
more dedicated as well as subject to more rearrangements and physical damage.
Emerging fiber technologies permit cost equivalency to copper while enabling local
exchange networks to provide higher bandwidth services on command. This switched
broadband capability will be the desired method of connectivity for small business and




2 These statistics have been extracted from FCC 1989 Statistics of Common Carriers dated
July 6, 1990.


residential users, providing concurrent communications utilizing voice, broadband data,
image and video.


Figure    I11.2



    Plant Specific Investments / Expenditures
    1989 LEC‘s




                                       1989
                                      Capital
                                     Additions




There is, however, an important role to be played by radio—based services as the U.S.
evolves to a switched, broadband infrastructure and beyond. As an initial matter, radio—
based connectivity may possibly provide the "curb to the home" access while fiber is
deployed to the curb. As such, PCS would complement, rather than competes with, fiber
optic deployment as the telecommunications infrastructure is enhanced over the coming
years.


There also are other situations where a broader role may be appropriate for radio—based
access.   Normthern Telecom joins Belicore in the belief that radio technologies may
provide an attractive distribution capability, for example where varied, geographically
dispersed customers must be served, or during the early stages of subdivision
development where requirements are limited to residential voice and narrowband data
services, and where plant is subject to substantial physical damage.




                                           10


Support for geographically dispersed customers in rural areas may also be attractive
with a special high—power PCS product.3 Spectrum allocated for this purpose may also
be made available to users of low power handsets in areas served by wireless local
distribution systems, consistent with the expansive PCS model suggested by Northern
Telecom.


   2 .3        PCS and Spectrum Relationship


The Commission should use this proceeding to clarify the relationship between the
definition of PCS and the spectrum used to access the services.        Northern Telecom
believes that PCS should be defined independently of the spectrum and the radio
technology used to gain access to the service. PCS should be viewed as an integral part of
the telecommunications infrastructure, not merely as an adjunct to (or replacement of)
cordless telephones and cellular service.




3 As such, PCS could also incorporate the FCC‘s BETR service. Basic Exchange
Telecommunications Radio Service, 3 FCC Red 214 (1988)


                                            11


Figure       11.3




    PCS Service & Spectrum Relationship




              ]
                                                     \
                                                  Proposed                      Proposed           Proposed
           E."img             Existing           immediately                     Future             Future

            48 MHz            800 MHz                 900 MtrHiz                1.7 GHz             2.3 GHz
           Low Denmeity   1   — Mobile      + Personal                              immediate — Trisis         i
           Cordiess       1     Ceoliuiar     Communications Services               Future Phase 2 Service     1
           Telephones                         Phase i                               « Contiguous Service
                          1                   — Low Power                          — FPiooceli / Microcell /   1
                          t                   — in Buiiding /                        Mecrocelie                1
                          1                     in Tranait                         * Service Expansion         1
                                              — Common                               EFPLMTS
                          1                    Terminal/Numbers                                                1
                                                                                                               1
    LM448007 t/Aw




As depicted in Figure 11.3, varied radio frequency spectrum allocations will continue to
evolve over time. A robust PCS model will allow these various services to be integrated
into new contiguous personal communications services by the power of intelligent
network components.               Network intelligence can permit different network supporting
systems, employing different access radios and radio spectrum bands, to connect users
with the desired PCS services.


in this manner, PCS is expected to greatly influence the evolution of the current
telecommunications network and industry infrastructure.                            While existing systems
support part of the PCS environment, new systems and services can continue to be
introduced to address ever changing telecommunications needs.


Paging systems, for example, today provide alerting services. They have a dedicated
infrastructure and specific assigned frequencies.                       Cellular mobile systems, which are
optimized to serve users requiring wide area continuous mobility and high speed base
station handoff functions, are also part of the PCS ensemble. New low power network



                                                         12


supporting systems, such as those using the proposed PCI standard, create a window into
another specific set of PCS services.        These particular personal communications
services focus on providing in—building communications, and two—way public telepoint
requirements.     For these services, the users will encounter other users in a relatively
close vicinity, and will require high quality, integrity, and security of calls.      This
initial PCS will provide a low power digital solution to users who do not require high
speed, wide area or continuous mobility, and at a lower investment cost than today‘s
cellular. Details on the rationale and technical merits of the PCI standard are included in
this submission for consideration.


3.0     SPECTRUM ALLOCATION ISSUES


in the NOI, the Commission asked a series of questions regarding the need for allocations
of one or more frequency bands to support the personal communication type services.
These include: (i) both general questions regarding the demand for various types of PCS
services and the benefits of such services (Paras 13—14), (ii) specific issues
associated with spectrum for pedestrian oriented, low power services which the
Commission denominated as "CT—2" for purposes of this inquiry, and (iii) questions
concerning more comprehensive services which the Commission denominated as "PCN
Type services" (Paras 15—22).


As a manufacturer of network and premises equipment for these services, Northern
Telecom will focus on the various requirements for spectrum that will fulfill these
mobility needs.    Specifically, Northern Telecom will address how these needs can be
addressed by enhanced low power digital technology, longer term PCS requirements, and
some specific recommendations regarding spectrum needs and assignments.


Northern Telecom will demonstrate that a near term allocation of bandwidth in the 900
MHz range is needed for the initial introduction of enhanced low power digital services,
with additional bandwidth above 1 GHz being necessary to meet requirements for future
service growth, as well as for international roaming, more rapid introduction of newer
technology,     and consistency with       spectrum    allocation   for similar services
internationally. The Commission must act now, however, with regard to both the short
term and long term needs in order to ensure the rapid availability of these critical
services to the American public.




                                            13


   3 .1          Need for an Allocation


There are a number of factors that support an exclusive spectrum aliocation for
personal communications on a national basis. These advantages include:


   —      nationwide services, including nationwide customer roaming
   —      nationwide operation without requiring complex frequency coordination
   —   common air interface
   —   no need for terminal user licensing
   —      large customer base and consequent economies of scale for development and
       manufacture of equipment and services


Cellular mobile systems are an example of how spectrum allocation, together with radio
and equipment standards on a nationwide basis, has led to the rapid deployment of new
communications services.      A similar allocation for additional PCS services can be
expected to lead to the development of innovative national, regional and local personal
telecommunications services.


The availability of common spectrum will also foster the development of a common air
interface. This will allow the basic interoperability of equipment and services between
serving areas.    Service providers and customers will be assured of the availability of
spectrum in each service area, without the need to compete with other services for the
spectrum.    In addition, the availability of the same spectrum for private residential,
public access, and business (Key System, PBX or Centrex) use will create greater
incentives for development of standards and integrated network personal
communications services.


An exclusive allocation is also needed to guarantee service availability and performance
in all areas. A public access point or wireless PBX serving an office building must be
planned to support the communications traffic in the area without concern for
interference from other users of the spectrum. Common national spectrum allocation
will, in addition, prevent the fragmentation of both the services and the spectrum.
With a common allocation, small pockets of individual spectrum will not need to be
found and assigned for each regional area, a process that adds delay and uncertainty.




                                             14.


Despite the highly successful allocation of spectrum for cellular mobile service, a new
allocation for low power base stations is still necessary. Personal communications
encompasses a large ensemble of services and features encompassing, for example,
various degrees of mobility, call reception and initiation, numbering, billing, message
and data communications.      As stated earlier, the cellular mobile system is but one
"window" on this ensemble that focuses on ubiquitous coverage, wide area roaming, and
high speed mobility.


There are other groupings of features and service requirements which are of interest to
customers, and which lead to the need for a different spectrum "window" for personal
telecommunications.     One set of personal communication services includes motion at
pedestrian rates within confined areas (within buildings), roaming between buildings
locally and nationwide, very good quality speech, enhanced data services with low error
rates and very low call blocking probability.     These service requirements lead to
optimal design developments for new personal communications services that differ
from, but also complement, current cellular mobile system features.


For example, many users may require personal communications mobility service while
at the office. Creating a broad, low power PCS will also allow the same handset to be
used for cordless telecommunications at home, or while traveling at points such as
airport waiting rooms, gasoline service stations, convenience stores and shopping
malls.     An important distinguishing feature of this PCS from the existing vehicular
mobile cellular systems is the multiplicity of service providers.   While at the office,
the employer could provide the radio base stations and network interfaces. While at
home, the user could provide his own base station, or makes use of a direct access base
station.   While travelling or shopping, the radio base stations could be provided (and
interconnected to the network) by many different service providers, including, for
example, cellular operators or newly authorized PCS operators. in an ideal network,
the users would see the same seamless service regardless of their location.


This new low power personal communications system could also be used in conjunction
with other systems such as cellular, mobile satellite or aircraft public correspondence
systems to extend coverage to vehicle interiors such as buses, trains, or planes. Under
this model, the new PCS would be a "mobile microcell" acting as an access device to
other established mobile services.



                                           15


Finally, the prompt, exclusive allocation of spectrum for low power digital systems
will lead to the development of a large customer base and a wide diversity of service
providers and service offerings. The result will be economies of scale in manufacture
and service delivery, resulting in lower prices to customers. The common spectrum
allocation provides the base upon which manufacturers, service providers and
customers can build to create new business and services for communications.
Conversely, the failure of the Commission to act expeditiously will leave the American
public and U.S. manufacturers lagging behind other nations, which have already begun
to develop these services.


   3 .2        How Much Spectrum


in order to determine the spectrum needed to support PCS, it is necessary to estimate
the service requirements, the traffic density and the cell sizes, and to make
assumptions regarding future radio operating characteristics.    From these parameters
the needed number of traffic channels can be estimated and the consequent spectrum
requirements calculated.


Traffic density is often measured in units of "Erlangs per square mile". in this context,
each Erlang can be thought of as representing one continuous full hour telephone call.
The highest traffic density typically occurs in urban office buildings where there is
heavy communications usage and the subscriber terminals may be spread out over many
floors. In these applications the traffic density may be as high as 50,000 Erlangs/miz.
The lowest traffic density typically will be in rural areas where there may be one or
fewer telephones per square mile. The service requirements also affect the amount of
spectrum required.    A small probability of a call being blocked (due to all radio
channels being in use) is essential in all environments.    To achieve this low blocking
probability, it is necessary to have a minimum number of channels available in each
cell. The radio parameters, modulation technique and coding determine the spectrum
needed for this minimum number of channels.


The mobile systems envisaged for PCS will use cell—based technology. The size of the
cells and the reuse factor will then determine the total number of channels and the total
spectrum requirements to support the desired traffic. As there are a great number of
variables involved, different approaches are possible.     For example, very high traffic
capabilities can be achieved by using very small cell sizes. These may have sizes of


                                           16


only a few hundreds of cubic feet.      System design requires the service provider to
achieve a balance between cell sizes, the traffic density, the number of radio channels
and the cost of installation and operation.   One overall measure of spectral efficiency is
to express combined parameters as Erlangs/MHz/miz. The higher this figure, the
more efficient the usage of the spectrum.


A number of organizations have reviewed the service requirements for PCS and
estimated the spectrum requirements.          One of the most thorough analysis was
undertaken by the CCIR Interim Working Party 8/13, which has been studying Future
Public Land Mobile Telecommunications Systems (FPLMTS).               This future system
concept, for introduction in the late 1990‘s time frame, includes PCS on a global scale.
This group has had participation from administrations world wide, and has issued a
report which outlines possible FPLMTS services, network and radio interfaces, and
spectrum requirements.4       The CCIR IWP calculated the spectrum requirements by
considering possible traffic densities and future radio technology capabilities, and
combining these with cellular reuse patterns. Three service environments have been
defined: outdoor services, low power indoor services and outdoor personal services.
This group estimates a total requirement of 230 MHz, with 60 MHz of this devoted for
the exclusive use of low power personal communications services. These estimates
assume that the spectrum is exclusively allocated to the personal communications
service.   However, if the spectrum was being shared with another service or service
provider, a wider band may be required.


Estimates of this sort are, of course, strongly influenced by the basic assumptions
incorporated in the calculations.    The CCIR working party has assumed high traffic
densities and reasonable future technology capabilities. The estimates have considered a
number of the potential technologies for speech coding, modulation, and various access
methods such as FDMA, TDMA, and CDMA. They have not considered any inefficiencies in
spectrum usage which may result from, for example, multiple service providers with
common coverage areas.       Their estimate may, therefore, be regarded as somewhat
conservative. Nonetheless, CCIR IWP estimates agree well with others.



4 CCIR XVIlth Plenary Assembly Dusseldorf, 1990, Report M/8$ (Mod F) "Future Public
Land Mobile Telecommunication Systems", Document 8/1014—E, 15 December 1989.
[Section 5.4]




                                              17


The estimatg of 60 MHz made by the CCIR working party for personal communications
is for an exclusive allocation.   If the allocation instead is to be shared with other
existing services, a wider amount of spectrum would be necessary. For example, if one
half of a shared band is used by another service, then the band would need to be about
twice as wide, or roughly 120 MHz.     This will depend in detail on channelization of
services, compatibility of modulation techniques and the size of the unused portions of
the shared band. Practical considerations such as channelization plans, compatibility of
emissions and guard bands could require the shared band to be as much as three or four
times wider, or about 200 MHz.


The European Technical Standards Institute (ETSI) has also been studying requirements
for spectrum as part of their Digital European Cordless Telecommunications (DECT)
system development. The DECT system is intended for wireless PBX applications for
large business systems. These systems include high density business traffic and take
into account current radio technology. The studies indicate that the system can handle a
traffic of 440 Erlangs/MHz/kaIfloor5 . This is equivalent to a requirement for about
45 MHz to handle the 20,000 Erlangs/kmzlfloor traffic for a large office application.
The spectrum estimate for the DECT is larger than the CCIR study, but it uses current
rather than future technology.


The Bell Communications Research (Belicore) organization has also reviewed the
spectrum requirements for a wireless communications system. These studies have been
described in the Framework Advisory for Universal Digital Portable Communications.6.
The report indicates that approximately 40—60 MHz of spectrum would need to be
allocated for this service in the 1—3 GHz region. This 40—60 MHz is partly distinct and
partly overlaps the FPLMTS allocation, because it also includes radio access for some
residential loop access services. Although the CCIR IWP 8/13 committee of FPLMTS




5 Dr. Heinz Ochsner, "Radio Aspects of DECT", Proc. 4th Nordic Seminar on Digital
Mobile Radio Communications, Oslo, 26—28 June 1990, pp 6.4/4.

6 BELLCORE, "Generic Framework for Universal Digital Portable Communications System
(PCS)", TA—FSY—0O01013, March 1990.



                                          18


has proposed bandwidth requirements for indoor and outdoor stations of 60 MHz, those
applications do not include an explicit allocation for loop access services."


There is significant synergy between residential and FPLMTS applications; due to the
small cell sizes, some frequency sharing between these applications may be viable in
many locations. However, widespread rollout of all of these services could necessitate a
requirement for more than the initial 60 MHz. Therefore, Northern Telecom advocates
that some contiguous or nearly contiguous spectrum be reserved and made available in
the future when the need for this service is clearly demonstrated.


in addition to being largely consistent with each other, these estimates are in general
agreement with the studies done internally by the development laboratories of Northern
Telecom.   As reflected in our proposals below, Bell Northern Research estimates that
30 MHz should be allocated to PCS in the short term, and 120 MHz should be allocated
for longer term PCS. However, the Commission must begin to initiate even the longer
term allocations expeditiously in order to ensure the timely deployment of PCS in
America, particularly in light of the general agreement on the demonstrated need for
these services.


   3 .3           Where in the Spectrum


Considerations of marketing and international developments indicate that a two stage
approach is appropriate for spectrum allocation.         There needs to be short term
"tactical" availability of a band for low power PCS development, as well as long range
"strategic" planning for the future development and integration of PCS.              As the
Commission indicated in the NOI, PCS interest is very high in most of the world, and
PCS development has already begun in many locales.             Prompt Commission action
therefore will benefit not just the U.S., but the entire world.      As an initial step, an
allocation should be made as soon as possible in the 900 MHz band for the early
introduction of low power PCS. This will satisfy the latent demand for higher density,
in—building, pedestrian mobile personal communications.         This initial allocation will

7 To the extent that PCS is used to provide radio loop service to residential users as an
compliment to wireline service, it should properly be viewed as an extension of an
existing service rather than an additional service. Therefore, should the Commission
award spectrum for the provision of such services, Northern Telecom believes that a
license should be awarded to the existing service provider.



                                            19


also permit the development of services and requisite network interfaces in a timely
manner, and enable American industry and service providers to compete in worldwide
markets.     In these comments, Northern Telecom outlines a proposal by which the
immediate introduction of low power PCS can be easily and quickly achieved in the 900
MHz band. There should also be an allocation, undertaken promptly, to be completed in
the post—1992 time frame, to provide more extensive PCS with global capabilities and
with compatibility/integration with other mobile and fixed services.


       3.3.1    Short Term


in the short term, there should be an exclusive allocation for low power digital PCS in
the 900 MHz band as soon as possible to allow the development of services, markets,
network systems and interfaces. The 900 MHz band is particularly well suited for this,
given its proximity to the vehicular mobile cellular bands. The large volume sales of
cellular equipment make possible the immediate design of inexpensive and reliable
personal communications equipment for this region of the spectrum.


As the Commission recognized by releasing the NOI, the U.S. must begin to address PCS
now, to ensure the early availability of PCS. In addition, as more fully discussed below,
the Commission should work with neighboring countries of North America when
planning spectrum assignments to achieve a compatible allocation that fosters the
availability of integrated services and North American roaming for the short term PCS
development.


       3.3.2    Longer Term


in the longer term, the Commission must plan for personal communications on a global
scale, taking into account expanded service and traffic capacity, and closer integration
with other mobile and network services.                                             |


The agenda for the World Administrative Radio Conference (WARC) in 1992 includes
consideration of an allocation of a band world—wide for future personal communications
services.8     The preference for the world—wide band is to foster global roaming for

8 _R No. 995 World Administrative Radio Conference Dealing With Frequency Allocations
in Certain Parts of the Spectrum Agenda item 2.2.4 ... "the consideration of an allocation
of frequency bands to the mobile and mobile—satellite services and associated feeder—


                                           20


subscribers, the development of world—wide air interface standards, and the integration
of the personal mobile services with the world—wide public communications network.
There are precedents for global roaming and service capability. Significant amounts of
spectrum are currently designated on a global basis for radio navigation and
communications for ships and aircraft.        These world—wide standards have been of
enormous benefit to the development of international shipping and commerce. With the
allocation or designation of a global band for personal communications, these same
benefits will accrue to a greater number of people.


To achieve a global allocation for personal communications it will be necessary to study
and plan for domestic allocation changes, to work in the international arena to achieve a
consensus on the band for designation before the 1992 WARC, and to plan to support the
designation of the band at the conference." Thus, while final resolution of these issues
may have to await the 1992 WARC, the U.S. should press forward in addressing these
longer—term issues now so as to maximize the ability of the U.S. to participate
meaningfully in the international allocation processes.


The development of FPLMTS would be greatly accelerated if the future designation were
to be in the 1710 MHz — 2290 MHz band.             Internationally, this band seems to be
preferred for this service.    in order that future PCS systems in the U.S. may be
technically consistent with PCS systems worldwide, the Commission should allocate
spectrum for PCS in this band.         Such an action would render U.S. services and
equipment compatible with other systems, and maintain the opportunities for American
manufacturers to export equipment overseas. Although this band in the international
frequency tables for Region 2 is presently allocated co—primary for fixed and mobile
service, domestically it is almost the exclusive domain of the fixed services. While a
change to accommodate PCS in these bands must consider carefully the impact on




links : ... c) for the development of the international use of the mobile service for the
future public land mobile telecommunications systems, as indicated in Recommendation
No. 205(Mob—87), or designate for this use a band already allocated to the mobile
service."

9 in this regard, Northern Telecom will review the suggestions of the Commission and
other parties in the proceeding that is addressing the 1992 WARC, and Northern Telecom
will comment on the spectrum proposals as appropriate, in light of the differences of
opinion that may emerge.




                                             21


domestic fixed service operators, the public interest would be best served by a longer
term PCS allocation in these frequencies.


it is important to also keep in mind the range of travel when considering the
requirements for international compatibility of PCS frequency allocations and
standards. Currently the countries with the largest amount of trade and travel between
the U.S. are Mexico and Canada. Moreover, in light of the Free Trade Agreement with
Canada and the negotiations for a similar arrangement with Mexico, the FCC should
strive to create a coordinated telecommunications system to match the emerging North
American market.     As the developments in Europe demonstrate, telecommunications
cannot stop at the borders.


The commonality of the telecommunications services in the American region (dialing
plan,   billing,   network    standards,    etc.)   has    facilitated    much    international
communications traffic. Similarly, a common North American PCS frequency allocation
and common standards would greatly facilitate subscriber roaming, opportunities for
service providers and increased markets for manufacturers.               As this is the largest
travel community, a significant public interest would be served by achieving, at the
very least, North American standards. The Commission is urged to continue its work
with other regulators in North America to achieve a common PCS spectrum allocation.


There are a number of criteria for selecting suitable new regions of the spectrum for
new low power PCS.       The CCIR report from Interim Working Party 8/13 outlines a
number of these considerations.!" The three main considerations are radio propagation
characteristics, radio equipment technology and technical and functional compatibility.
In addition, the Commission should consider the availability of spectrum and the
compatibility with existing users and services.


For low power PCS, the need is for relatively short range radio links either within
buildings or for pedestrian outdoor environments.         It is important to have available a
practical and inexpensive technology for the radio components of the PCS equipment.
Portable handsets, for example, are very sensitive to the cost and size of the radio


1OCCIR xVIIth Plenary Assembly Dusseldorf, 1990, Report M/8 (Mod F) "Future Public
Land Mobile Telecommunication Systems", Document 8/1014—E, 15 December 1989.
[Section 5.5]




                                             22


components. There must also be a suitable set of standards available for implementing
the PCS both in terms of a common air interface and network services interfaces.
Compatibility with existing services and availability of spectrum are also important
considerations.      The characteristics of existing and neighboring services must be
compatible with low power cellular technology. For example, low power PCS systems
would have difficulty sharing a spectrum assignment with wide band high power radar
signals, and they would have difficulty operating with such high power signals very
close to the PCS band. There must also be available sufficient contiguous spectrum to
carry the traffic and control signals of the PCS. For these links, many studies have
reviewed performance at 900 MHz and 1800 MHz.


Table 3.1 summarizes some of these considerations for several areas of the spectrum.
The 46/49 MHz band, where current cordless telephones operate, has available very
inexpensive radio technology.    It is not practical, however, given the extensive usage of
this band, to introduce new PCS here. At the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands, the radio
technology is more expensive but still quite practical due to the developments made for
the cellular mobile systems. Suitable radio standards and network interfaces also exist
for operation near these bands. At frequencies above 3 GHz, the situation is less well
defined.    Current technology does not provide inexpensive, compact and practical
components.     In sum, PCS would appear to be practical to implement at frequencies
below 3 GHz.      As there is considerable industrial experience with equipment for the
vehicular mobile cellular bands, the PCS is likely to be the least expensive the closer it
is to these bands.


                                       Table 3.1
                             Selection of Frequency Bands


             Band             Technology                    PCS Standards
                                                            Development

           46/49 MHz          very inexpensive                    none
           900 MHz              inexpensive                        yes
           1800 MHz            more expensive                      yes
            >3 GHz                unknown                         none




                                              23


In sum, Northern Telecom recommends a two staged approach to the allocation of
spectrum for PCS. There should be an appropriate allocation as soon as possible in the
900 MHz region in order to start the development and introduction of low power digital
personal communications services.       This should be followed, in concert with the
proceedings of the 1992 WARC, by a larger allocation for PCS that will include
provision for world—wide compatibility, increased traffic capability and integration
with domestic applications such as wireless residential services.


While clearly the Commission must resolve the spectrum allocation as quickly as
possible. the Commission must also seek the prompt resolution of licensing and
standards—setting.    Rapid implementation of PCS, with its attendant benefits for the
public and the telecommunications industry, requires that all of these issues be
resolved in the short term.     As the experience with cellular service demonstrates,
regulatory delay can slow the deployment of service for many years.       in light of the
growing importance of a robust telecommunications infrastructure, including PCS, the ;
U.S. cannot tolerate a similar delay.


    3.4          Sharing


New services, such as low power PCS, must be accommodated within the existing
spectrum utilization policy and history.   The success of any technique for sharing
spectrum assignments depends critically on there being "spare" capacity in the existing
utilization.    This may exist in the form of, for example, dormant assignments or
geographic areas where assignments are not used.


        3.4.1    Coordinated Sharing


As part of its preparations for the 1992 WARC, the CCIR Interim Working Party 8/13
has prepared a report reviewing the considerations for sharing between the FPLMTS
and other services."" This report considers the operations of fixed services and the
FPLMTS. The report indicates that there are means to facilitate the sharing of band
allocations with the fixed services and during the transition phases of PCS introduction.
Fixed services operating as point to point links generate and are sensitive to

11 CCIR Interim Working Party 8/13, "Report on Sharing Criteria between FPLMTS and
other services", Doc: IWP 8/13—54, 11 July 1990.




                                           24


interference on the same frequencies only within the immediate area surrounding the
beam path and the antennas.‘* Outside this contour, there is sufficient isolation for a
low power PCS to operate without interference to the fixed service. Inside the contour,
there is a high probability of interference between operations on the same frequencies.
The area covered by the contour will depend on the parameters of the fixed service
system.   in the case of a high capacity, major telecommunication trunk link, the
dimensions of this contour may be as big as sixty miles in length and tens of miles in
width. Because the beam path areas of the fixed service cover only a small portion of
the total national area, however, the low power PCS may possibly share a band with the
fixed service on a geographic basis.


To prevent harmful interference, coordination is required to enforce the restriction
that no low power PCS radio station shall be permitted to operate on channels that
overiap the operating channels of the fixed system within the geographic region of the
fixed system. This may be achieved by designing the low power PCS system such that
the portable stations do not transmit without receiving instructions as to suitable local
channel assignments from the base stations.     The base stations must have knowledge of
suitable operating channel assignments for their region. Such an approach is similar to
the way the current mobile cellular systems operate, although for different reasons.
The mobile cellular systems make use of the channel selection control from the base
stations in order to maintain the cellular re—use plans.   The advantage of this sharing
arrangement is that it potentially permits the PCS to share the whole of a fixed service
band, and yet there need be no reduction in the service performance to the current fixed
systems. This concept, however, is only workable if there are geographic areas where
the fixed service channels are not all in use.    Given the distribpution of fixed systems
(which tend to be in rural areas outside the metropolitan areas), and the major need for
personal communications services inside the urban areas, there would appear to be
complementary geographic usage. Such a coordinated sharing of bands between the fixed
and mobile services appears to be an attractive and practical technique.




12 This area may be outlined approximately by the 130dB/20%     path loss contour of the
links.


                                           25


       3.4.2 CDMA Sharing


in addition to the geographic sharing for TDMA based PCS systems, there may be a
possibility of broader sharing through use of CDMA.      The Commission has granted
experimental authorizations for CDMA based PCS—type systems.                  Among the
possibilities to be explored in these experiments are:


       — Sharing the frequency band adhering to FCC Part 15
       — Sharing the frequency band on a co—primary basis with existing fixed services


The mutual interference between the services sharing the band depends on specific
implementation parameters of the PCS service as well as the relative location and
parameters of the sharing system.


The CDMA modulation system for the mobile service spreads the signal over a very wide
band. The principle of CDMA operation is that because the band is significantly wider
than the fixed service sharing the band, the mobile transmissions appear as a low level
of background noise to the fixed system, thus minimizing any adverse effects on the
operation of the fixed system.         With increased load, the level of the mobile
transmissions increases, but is not expected to adversely impact the fixed system in
most situations.


Additional methods exist to further minimize the interference between the systems
sharing the band:


       — Geographical separation of antenna systems
       — Highly directional antennas
       — High propagation loss for urban areas (where PCS will be deployed)
       — Carefully selected micro base station with existing fixed services
       — Adaptive measures, such as power control and variable rate coding


The experiments should validate the capability of the fixed services and PCS to co—exist
using these sharing methods.




                                           26


   3 .5         Cordless Telephones (46—49 MHz)


Currently there is extensive use of "cordless telephones" operating in the 46/49 MHz
bands, and extending the number of channels (bandwidth) available to these systems is
being considered.    These phones are very popular, but perhaps more popular than
successful. Many consumers are finding the range limited, the speech quality poor, the
risk of eavesdropping very high, and the interference high.      As there are no control
channels and very few voice channels, spectrum efficient personal communications
services such as those attained by using PCI standards cannot be readily provided in this
band.


Alithough considerable improvement in voice quality and capabilities has occurred over
the past several years in analog cordless telephony, Northern Telecom does not feel this
band should be used for development of enhanced personal communication networks.
Rather it should continue to be used, perhaps even expanded, to serve its distinct Part
15 residential cordless applications.   Because of the widely established usage and low
cost of these telephones, Northern Telecom anticipates continued consumer popularity
and increased use of this technology in a limited environment.


   3.6          Proposal


In view of the above considerations, and in order to advance the development of PCS,
Northern Telecom makes the following proposals. First, the Commission should adopt
an allocation in the 900 MHz band for an initial, low power PCS, as soon as possible.
Second, the Commission should adopt expanded allocations for future services in concert
with global allocations at the 1992 WARC. in addition, the Commission should seek the
resolution of the requisite standards setting and licensing, to ensure that these services
can be deployed promptly.


        3.6.1   Immediate Development


Northern Telecom proposes an allocation of spectrum for personal communications
systems, as soon as possible, in the 900 MHz band. Such an allocation will permit the
rapid introduction of low power PCS to the market, and permit American service
providers and manufacturers to compete in global markets.            This will serve an
immediate public need, foster development of the network aspects of the service, and
                                  ¢


                                            27


permit American—based manufacturers and service providers to take a leadership role
in the global market for PCS products and services. An early introduction is necessary
for market development, and for work to begin on putting into place the network
support needed for the personal communications services. The availability of spectrum
is key to the development of the network services. With the availability of spectrum,
coordinated services and standards will be developed.


Northern Telecom‘s proposal is divided into four parts:


       a    The exclusive allocation of the 930—931 MHz and 940—941 MHz
            bands for the use of low power PCS. These bands would provide
            control channels and a few traffic channels.
       b. The development of a common air interface to assure the compatibility
            of emissions and the interoperability of equipment using the PCS
            bands.
       c. The allocation of the bands 930—960 MHz on a co—primary basis for
            the low power PCS to share with the existing users. This includes the
            development of suitable techniques for preventing interference
            between services.
       d.   The Commission should consider sharing between PCS and fixed
            services when making any further assignments in the 930—960 MHz
            band.


These items are explained in more detail in the following sections.


       3.6.2 930—931 MHz and 940—941 MHz


These two bands are currently "unused", and could be readily allocated for low power
PCS use.‘3 The bands would be channelized into nine 100 KHz channels with a 50 KHz


13 The Commission recently proposed that the 930—931 MHz band be assigned for low
Earth orbit satellite services. FCC News Release Report No. DC—1711, September 19,
1990. Northern Telecom does not concur with this proposal. Such an assignment is
inconsistent with the international allocation for this band to Fixed and Mobile services
on a primary basis.   Satellite services are better accommodated elsewhere, and Northern
Telecom suggests that the Commission should propose other frequencies at the 1992
WARC.



                                            28


guard band at each end. One or more of the channels in each band would be designated for
"control" channels. The remaining channels in each band would be designated as traffic
channels.


These exclusive bands would be for the provision of low power PCS in the residential
(home), public access ("telepoint"), and business (wireless PBX, Key Systems or
Centrex) environments. The control and traffic channels would be shared among all of
the service providers, both public and private, using dynamic channel allocation
techniques.




       3.6.3   Common Air Interface


in order to ensure the compatibility of emissions and to allow interoperability between
various service providers and equipment manufacturers, a Common Air Interface (CAl)
standard will be required for equipment utilizing the PCS bands. The standard needs to
be made available quickly, and be suitable for the multiple environment, multi—service
provider conditions of the American market. Such a standard may be developed rapidly
by building on the low power PCS development done elsewhere. The most advanced of the
currently available standards is the United Kingdom "MPT1375 CAIlI".!4 This standard
provides a well defined radio interface, modulation and signaling system for basic
wireless telephony operations.   In addition, this standard makes use of modern highly
efficient digital modulation and dynamic channel allocation techniques.     in order to
guarantee the interoperability of the calling capabilities and features of equipment
using the band for the American market, and to permit development of personal
communications services, further enhancements have been defined. These cover the
assignment of channels, the provision of advanced data services, and additional call
features for office environments. Such enhancements are defined in the PCI standard,
and a document outlining them is attached as an Annex to these comments. This Annex,
together with the MPT1375 CA documents, form the basis for the PCI CA which
No:ithern Telecom believes should be adopted as the common air interface for the low
power PCS in the 900 MHz band. A PCI CAl compatible standard has been proposed by



!4MPT 1375, Common Air Interface Specification", Department of Trade & Industry,
Radio Communications Division, London SEl 8UA, May 1989/March 1990.



                                          29


Northern Telecom as the PCS standard for Canada.!" This proposal is currently in draft —
stage and will be further developed based on industry discussion.


There are numerous reasons why this standard is suitable for the low power PCS. The
100 KHz channelization fits neatly into the narrow split bands of the available
spectrum.     in addition, the channelization plan is well suited to sharing with fixed
services in the adjacent bands (as discussed in the next section). The PCI standard has
been developed with particular regard to the American low power PCS market, and
provides a practical, integrated and cost effective solution for all three service
environments (public access, residential and business).        The standard achieves high
spectral efficiency through digital modulation and dynamic channel allocation
technologies. The standard builds upon other international work, and its adoption will
provide     experience   and   opportunities      for   American    service   providers   and
manufacturers to participate in overseas markets.                  This will result in lower
investment cost for service providers.       In sum, the PCI standard holds out great
promise.


       3.6.4 Shared Use of 930—960 MHz bands by low power PCS


The 2 MHz of spectrum in the 930—931 MHz and 940—941 MHz bands provides enough
capacity for signaling and traffic for some small suburban residential and small public
access applications.     For metropolitan residential and high traffic office applications,
however, more channels will be required.


To provide this needed extra capacity, the low power PCS should be authorized to share
the use of the adjacent 931—960 MHz bands on a co—primary basis. Because of existing
usage of this band, parts of it will not be available for low power PCS use in many
areas. However, in most urban areas, where the need for low power PCS channels is
greatest, significant portions of the band are unoccupied.         For example, the 941—944
MHz band has only approximately 120 active stations nationwide. Suitable coordination
with these and other existing users will thus enable the unoccupied portions of the
bands to be utilized by the low power PCS in particular geographic areas. It is worth




5 The proposed standard for Canadian frequencies and markets is known as CT2PLUS.
PCI is compatible with the Canadian CT2PLUS CAI.                ‘


                                             30


  noting in this context that the low power nature of the PCS keeps the emissions of
  individual in—building stations confined to areas of a few hundred square yards.


 A significant portion of the     930—960    MHz band is assigned to studio transmitter link
  (STL) service. The assignment rules for this service suggest filling the band from the
 "bottom up".!©     This policy has clustered the unoccupied channels in the upper areas of
 the band in many places. Although not based on a detailed survey, the unoccupied
 portion of the   930—960     MHz band may be expected to provide sufficient spectrum to
  support the initial low power PCS for most metropolitan centers.       in areas where the
 existing fixed service usage is heavy, and there is insufficient room for PCS, it may be
~ desirable for there to be some migration of fixed services to other bands, such as 18 and
 31 GHz. In metropolitan areas the Commission may wish to accept no new assignments
 in the   942—960    MHz bands, and to review carefully renewals in areas where PCS
 capacity is needed and it is practical for the fixed service to migrate to higher frequency
 bands.   This procedure, of sharing with existing users, coupled with careful review of
 expansion, should make available sufficient spectrum over the near term without
 disruption to existing services.


 The current domestic allocations of spectrum in the various bands 930 MHz through
 960 MHz are assigned to the Fixed service and the Mobile service for Government and
 non—Government use.         However, footnote 705 of the International Table of Frequency
 Allocations!? allocates the band 890—942 MHz to the radiolocation service on a
 primary basis in the United States.        The low power PCS may have difficulty sharing
 with the radiolocation service due to the very high power and wide range of the
 radiolocation service.   The Commission may wish to review the general usage of the
 890—942 MHz band by the radiolocation service and to restrict its usage to the 902—
 928 MHz (ISM band) band, so as to avoid interference with the low power PCS. No new
 assignments for the radiolocation service should be made in this band (outside of the
 ISM band), and existing licenses (if any) should not be renewed without careful review
 of future service requirements.



 16 47 C.F.R. § 74.503(a).

 17 705 Different Category of service : in the United States, the allocation of the band
 890—942 MHZ to the radiolocation service is on a primary basis (see No. 425) and subject
 to agreement obtained under the procedure set forth in Article 14.




                                                31



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