Importance of 3.65 GHz Frequency Band for Smart Grid Market

By Ashish Sharma, VP, Corporate Communications, Alvarion Ltd.

As the utilities look to build their future smart grid networks, it is imperative that they consider solutions that are reliable, secure, scalable and easy to integrate with the flexibility of addressing multiple types of services for efficient operations. WiMAX technology allows utilities to wirelessly create a future proof broadband communications infrastructure that can bring great efficiencies to a traditionally fragmented energy distribution system. Based on an all-IP architecture with a robust OFDMA radio interface, WiMAX technology supports multiple types of applications on a unified platform.

Access to the right frequencies plays a major role in building secure wireless networks. The quasi-licensed 3.65 GHz band in the U.S. provides a good alternative for utilities to build their own private WiMAX networks for smart grid communications. With the exception of a few places in the country, this frequency remains largely unused and has the potential to provide a good footprint. FCC adopted a structured entry approach by employing a non-exclusive licensing scheme for this band. This approach has allowed the licensees low entry costs, avoiding long regulatory delays.

There are two challenges that need to be taken in account when deploying a 3.65GHz solution:

• Exclusion zones, where 3.65GHz is not allowed due to earth stations
• Migration path to a licensed 2.3/2.5 GHz WiMAX frequency if desired at some point in the future

Alvarion-optimized smart grid connectivity solutions addresses both challenges:

• A WiMAX 802.16e solution in license exempt (5.4/5.8 GHz) frequency, overcoming the limitation of the exclusion zones
• A unified solution that addresses both 3.65GHz and 2.3/2.5GHz frequencies that allows expanding a 3.65 GHz fequency network into a licensed 2.3/2.5 GHz fequency network using the same product

Alvarion offers the latest 802.16e WiMAX solutions for this frequency band in a variety of configurations including an all outdoor base station that provides cost effective rollout over large distances. Alvarion’s experience in designing all-IP wireless broadband networks will bring much-needed expertise to utilities striving to integrate managed energy utilization, lower greenhouse gas emissions and innovative on-the-go applications.

Alvarion’s open WiMAX network architecture based on end-to-end all-IP solution allows for great flexibility to integrate other smart grid solutions such as meters, distribution automation devices, collectors, etc. The network built on this architecture has the ability to enable other applications such as mobile workforce, video surveillance, home area network and communications for substation automation. Alvarion’s solution provides a holistic 4G infrastructure that provides the real-time, QoS, broadband and mobility requirements for current and future smart grid applications. These solutions are available in both licensed and license-exempt frequencies with high link reliability and availability.

Though getting access to private spectrum remains the best choice for utilities, the 3.65 GHz frequency band allows for a good near term option that can help them build an IP-based WiMAX network with a relatively lower cost when compared to other technologies that exist in the market today.

Airspan 3.65 GHz Band FCC Certification Redefines U.S. WiMAX Arena

By Guest Blogger Dori Erann, Senior Director of Marketing Communications, Airspan

Due to recent Airspan developments, wireless operators are now able to take advantage of the full 50 MHz (lower and upper) 3.65 GHz frequency band. Until now, the lightly licensed frequency band made only the lower 25 MHz available for WiMAX operation. But earlier this week, Airspan, a WCAI member, announced that it has received the first-ever certification for a WiMAX system to operate in the upper 25 MHz (3675-3700 MHz).

Airspan has been a dominant player in the 3.65 GHz band in the U.S., with a majority market share as well as the first WiMAX system to be certified by the FCC for both portions of the band.

Implementing the FCC’s contention protocol, the Airspan HiperMAX system is now certified for use in the full 3.65 GHz. Existing Airspan customers can take advantage of this certification and can immediately apply for use of the upper 25 MHz. New operators will be able to apply for the full spectrum in their FCC registrations.

The certification applies to both fixed 802.16d as well as 802.16e applications.

There have been many speculations by industry players as to whether the upper ‘unrestricted’ band would be made available by the FCC. Operators nationwide have expressed strong interest and support for this move in order to allow added capacity and range, enabled by the additional spectrum.

Airspan clearly has a market advantage with this surprise certification. And, with double the amount of spectrum, Airspan 3.65 GHz customers will benefit greatly with the ability to integrate more cost effective business models, while better serving their customer base.

The timing of this new Airspan certification is ideal, allowing Broadband Stimulus applicants to incorporate new deployment and business models into their network plans, better meeting agency requirements by extending coverage with double the capacity and/or double the range.

For more information on Airspan’s equipment, please visit http://www.airspan.com/ or contact Declan Byrne, Chief Marketing Officer for Airspan at dbyrne@Airspan.com.

WCAI Congratulates Airspan on Industry-First FCC Certification for Upper 25MHz of 3.65GHz

WCAI member Airspan Networks announced today that the FCC certified its WiMAX equipment to operate over the full 50 MHz of the 3.65 GHz lightly licensed band in the United States. The certification for the first time allows U.S. 3.65 GHz operators to use the upper "unrestricted" 25 MHz of this lightly licensed frequency band.

The announcement is a major first step on the way to unleashing the potential of the 3.65 GHz band in the United States. This industry-first certification unlocks 25 MHz of valuable spectrum and opens the door to hundreds of licensees who stand ready to bring advanced wireless broadband services to rural America.

Led by some of the major players in the band, WCAI recently launched an effort to harmonize the 3.65 GHz frequencies by addressing its remaining regulatory and technical challenges. Airspan is an active member of the WCAI’s 3.65 GHz Working Group, which is also supported by major manufacturers and licensees in the 3.65 GHz band. We look forward to working with the FCC and the industry to unleash the value in the band to the benefit of operators, equipment vendors and the public.

WCAI Launches Industry Effort to Unlock 3.65 GHz Band Potential

Building on a solid track record of successful government advocacy in wireless broadband in the United States and globally, WCAI has launched an industry-led effort to unlock the potential of the 3.65 GHz band by addressing its remaining regulatory and technical challenges.

Earlier this month, we formed the 3.65 GHz Working Group to:

(1) Develop a synchronization protocol in the band to promote coordination and mitigate harmful interference among operators;
(2) Promote coordination between suppliers and operators; and
(3) Address regulatory issues within the band.

Leading the initiative is Jason Lazar, Vice President of Corporate Development and General Counsel of KeyOn Communications and Chair of our 3.65 GHz Working Group. KeyOn is a wireless broadband provider operating in the 3.65 GHz and other bands that serves customers in 11 states, primarily in rural markets.

“Our vast regulatory and technical experience makes WCAI an ideal vehicle for an industry-led 3.65 GHz Working Group,” said WCAI President Fred Campbell, who played an instrumental role in developing the rules for the 3.65 GHz band in his previous position as an FCC Wireless Bureau Chief. “This new initiative will help unlock the full potential of the 3.65 GHz band for the benefit of the industry and consumers alike.”

The 3.65 GHz band presents a unique opportunity to operators in the United States to expand their coverage to new markets and improve the economics and performance of their networks. Over 1,100 operators nationwide have applied for or received a license to operate in these lightly licensed frequencies since they were made available by the FCC in 2005. However, the band has still not reached a critical mass of deployment and harbors significant potential for growth.

“The establishment of a 3.65 GHz Working Group within WCAI represents a significant step forward for those using the band to deliver wireless broadband services,” said WCAI Counsel Paul Sinderbrand of Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP. “Whether working with industry to develop best practices that can be implemented without the need for new FCC rules, or working with the FCC to develop new rules where necessary, WCAI has a track record of unleashing the value in wireless broadband spectrum to the benefit of operators, equipment vendors and the public. WCAI was actively involved when the current rules governing the band were adopted, and the 3.65 GHz Working Group will continue WCAI's role in the growth of the band as a vehicle for wireless broadband distribution."

WCAI held an informative webinar presentation to launch the group.

WCAI to Host a Webinar on Unlocking the Potential of the 3.65 GHz Band

WCAI will host a webinar at 1 pm ET on Wednesday, Nov. 18 to examine the challenges facing the 3.65 GHz band in the United States and discuss the ways to unlock the band’s potential.

The 3.65 GHz band presents a unique opportunity to operators in the United States to expand their coverage to new markets and improve the economics and performance of their networks. Over 800 operators nationwide have applied for or received a license to operate in these lightly licensed frequencies since they were made available by the FCC in 2005. However, the band has still not reached a critical mass of deployment and harbors significant potential for growth.

Join the WCAI webinar and find out how you can maximize your return on investment in the 3.65 GHz band and unlock the band's potential by addressing its remaining regulatory and technical challenges. The webinar is open to all and is free of charge. For more information or to register, please visit the WCAI’s 3.65 GHz Webinar Registration Page.