| Please explain the purpose of operation: |
To determine suitability for commercial mobile broadband services, in particular the effect of existing Federal government operations on the use of this spectrum for mobile LTE service.
The experimental authority requested herein will enable T-Mobile to undertake testing of the 1755-1780 MHz and 2155-2180 MHz bands to determine its suitability for commercial mobile broadband services, in particular the effect of existing Federal government operations on the use of this spectrum for mobile Long Term Evolution (?LTE?) service. The wireless industry, the FCC, and NTIA all have a great interest in evaluating this band and determining the feasibility of reallocating it from Federal to commercial wireless use. Testing will focus on the ability of Federal and commercial uses to share the spectrum during an interval where Federal use for certain systems may continue. In addition, data will be collected on the effects on commercial operations from the existing Federal uses in this band.
T-Mobile, CTIA and the wireless industry have been working closely with the FCC and NTIA to obtain authority for testing of devices in the 1755-1780 MHz and 2155-2180 MHz bands. To effectuate this, industry needs to obtain operating authority from the FCC that is fully coordinated with NTIA. T-Mobile has offered to be the applicant on behalf of industry for this testing.
T-Mobile took the lead in a similar fashion when testing interference between AWS-3 spectrum proponents and existing AWS-1 licensees. T-Mobile expects that, similar to the AWS-1 process, interested parties will be able to participate in the process even though they are not the licensee. As part of this process, interested parties will participate in the formation of testing plans, work with NTIA in selecting test locations and participate in any and all tests that are conducted. T-Mobile would expect that the output of testing will be data that all interested parties will be free to analyze for effects on their current or future technology plans for use of the 1755/2155 MHz spectrum.
T-Mobile intends to conduct these tests in designated areas near satellite uplink facilities, near Federal aeronautical facilities, and in selected major cities. T-Mobile hereby requests that it be granted authority to operate throughout the continental United States, and T-Mobile plans to consult and coordinate with NTIA and Federal agencies on the specific geographic areas prior to any testing locations are utilized.
Grant of an STA will enable T-Mobile to collect valuable data that will inform the ongoing efforts by the Commission, NTIA, and the wireless industry to bring additional spectrum to market for mobile broadband services. This STA will serve the public interest by providing the wireless industry, Commission, and NTIA with necessary information that will enable these groups to proceed with the reallocation of this spectrum. |