Today:  FCC High-Band 5G Spectrum Auction, NANPA Assigns NPA 523 For Non-Geographic Services, Texas Enforcement Actions

FCC High-Band 5G Spectrum Auction

The FCC will commence its first-ever high-band 5G spectrum auction today.  Bidding began this morning on spectrum in the 28 GHz band (Auction 101) and will be followed by bidding for spectrum in the 24 GHz band (Auction 102). The FCC is making 1.55 gigahertz of spectrum available through these two auctions.  These auctions will be followed by a 2019 auction of three more millimeter-wave spectrum bands—37 GHz, 39 GHz, and 47 GHz.

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai issued the following statement:

“Today’s spectrum auction shows that America is continuing to lead the world in 5G, the next generation of wireless connectivity. These airwaves will be critical in deploying 5G services and applications. And we’re not stopping there. Between the auctions this year and next, the FCC will push almost 5 gigahertz of spectrum into the commercial marketplace over the course of the next 15 months. To put that in perspective, that is more spectrum than is currently used for terrestrial mobile broadband by all wireless service providers combined. We will continue to pursue an aggressive spectrum strategy, a key component—along with wireless infrastructure deployment and regulatory modernization—of the FCC’s plan to Facilitate America’s Superiority in 5G Technology. The 5G FAST plan is critical to boosting economic growth, job creation, and America’s global competitiveness, and we’ll continue to execute on this important national priority.” 

Commissioner Brendan Carr also issued a statement saying:

“5G is about our economic leadership for the next decade and, with today’s auction, the FCC takes another solid step forward in winning the global race to 5G.  The high-band spectrum we begin auctioning today will be critical to 5G and the innovations that next-gen wireless will unleash—from faster broadband to autonomous cars, from smart ag to telehealth and the Internet of Things. I’m glad the Commission is continuing to show, through concrete action, our commitment to winning the global race to 5G for the benefit of all Americans.”

NANPA Assigns NPA 523 For Non-Geographic Services

The North America Numbering Plan Administration has notified the industry that of the pending exhaust of the 5XX NPA resource (presently the 500, 521, 522, 533, 544, 566, 577 and 588 NPAs).  The next 5XX NPA code, 523, will be available after 100% of the assignable 5XX NPA codes are assigned.  NANPA said that, as of 11/12/2018, the supply of 500, 521, 522, 533, 544, 566, 577 and 588 NXXs was exhausted.  As such, NANPA has initiated the assignment of 523 NXX codes. 

5XX-NXX codes are used for applications which are non-geographic in nature, are not assigned to rate centers and may or may not traverse the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), but do require an E.164 addressing scheme.  The use of this NANP numbering resource is to communicate with both fixed and mobile devices, some of which may be unattended.  This resource may also be used for applications enabling machines, which would include but not be limited to wireless devices and appliances, with the ability to share information with back-office control and data base systems and the people that use them. Service is limited only by terminal and network capabilities and restrictions imposed by the service provider.

Texas Enforcement Actions

The Public Utility Commission of Texas has released a report detailing enforcement actions taken on behalf of Texas electric, water and landline telecom customers during FY 2018.  According to the report, Commission Staff concluded 114 investigations in FY 2018 with results ranging from fines and license revocations to findings of no violation.  Over the course of the year, the Commission approved orders imposing a total of $2,825,400.00 in administrative penalties and returning $108,042.27 in refunds to Texas customers.  The agency’s diverse responsibilities are reflected in the mix of investigations opened in FY 2018: 40% were electric retail, 24% were electric wholesale, 9% were electric service quality, 2% were telecommunications, and 25% were water.

“The Texas Legislature created a level playing field for the companies competing to serve utility customers and it’s our job to throw penalty flags for infractions,” said Chairman DeAnn Walker. “Customers deserve fair treatment from their service providers and the companies who serve them deserve clear, predictable rules. We’re committed to maintaining that climate of fair play.” 

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The Regulatory Mix, Inteserra’s blog of telecom related regulatory activities, is a snapshot of PUC, FCC, legislative, and occasionally court issues that our regulatory monitoring team uncovers each day. Depending on their significance, some items may be the subject of an Inteserra Briefing.