A proposal for more wireless access also raises a question about people already using nearby spectrum. FCC's proposal published in February 2014 explicitly sought comment on potential effects on unlicensed devices and other services. Its wider Globalstar plan included the adjacent 2473–2483.5 MHz band as well as licensed spectrum. The ethical issue is coexistence, not simply the appeal of a new network. [2017-02027][2014-03618]

The final-rule publication of January 31, 2017 followed a narrower proposal. It established a framework for Globalstar to apply for a low-power terrestrial network in licensed 2483.5–2495 MHz spectrum and did not address low-power operations in the adjacent unlicensed band. That exclusion should not be rewritten as a finding that every interference concern was solved. [2017-02027][2014-03618]

Nor does the framework itself prove a public benefit reached users. The licensed band contains 11.5 megahertz, and Globalstar is its sole mobile-satellite service licensee. Those facts describe the resource and the applicant's position, not an equal distribution of access, lower bills or a working connection. Fairness requires distinguishing an opportunity from its eventual delivery. [2017-02027][2014-03618]

The order was adopted December 22, 2016. General effectiveness was scheduled for March 2, with section 25.149 information-collection amendments awaiting OMB approval and a separate notice. On the February 4 retrospective date, the documents support careful discussion of scope and responsibility. They supply no measured outcome and no basis for claiming a religious or civic consensus about the result. [2017-02027][2014-03618]

Source documents

  1. Terrestrial Use of the 2473-2495 MHz Band for Low-Power Mobile Broadband Networks; Amendments to Rules for the Ancillary Terrestrial Component of Mobile Satellite Service Systemshttps://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2017-01-31/html/2017-02027.htm
  2. Proposal To Enable Operation of a Terrestrial Broadband Network in Certain Mobile Satellite Service Spectrumhttps://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2014-02-19/html/2014-03618.htm