There is a growing collective voice regarding the rules surrounding the 12 GHz spectrum and DISH Wireless is one of the leading entities seeking change. Together, the previously notable MVDDS Coalition, now the 5G for 12 GHz Coalition, started the push led by DISH Wireless and others the day after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) modified a request from its opponent, SpaceX. Elon Musk’s innovative space company is part of another group known as the 12 GHz Alliance which opposes the Coalition and its goals.
“This really is a test of whether we are going to use science and engineering,” said Joe Lockhart, one of the Chairmen of the 5G for 12 GHz Coalition. “I can assure you that no one on this call represents someone who will be hosting Saturday Night Live,” he continued, a reference to Elon Musk’s appearance on the popular program.
DISH Wireless and RS Access are two influences within the 5G Coalition for 12 GHz with these two entities leading holders of MVDDS licenses. Back in January 2021, the FCC unanimously cast a vote to issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to gain a better understanding of using 12 GHz band while protecting incumbents. The 5G Coalition for 12 GHz began with a total of 20 members.
The FCC is warning SpaceX that there could be changes to the rules and that any advancement on its part is done at its own risk. DISH is no stranger to the demands of transmitting signals via satellite, though it is an opponent of SpaceX on this issue. Beginning in Las Vegas, Nevada with the help of Amazon Web Services (AWS), DISH Wireless is delivering cloud-native 5G services throughout the United States. DISH Wireless’ Executive VP of External & Legislative Affairs, Jeff Blum, spoke on the idea of SpaceX and other 5G entities co-existing saying, “I think it’s going to come down to the technical analysis. We believe that 5G can co-exist with DBS operations and not adversely interfere with DISH or DirecTV operations and DBS is the primary in the band. We also believe that you can have NGSO operations in the band at the same time as 5G, and there will be co-existence there.” Technical analysis on the matter will be made public on May 7, 2021.
DISH Wireless and SpaceX may be butting heads but the revisit to 12 GHz is much larger than two companies disagreeing. There is a wide variety of applications for 5G and 12 GHz could play a big role in helping it reach its full potential including helping the United States surpass China in 5G capabilities and empower many of the industries DISH Wireless is looking to service through its B2B offerings.
Source: Fierce Wireless
