Utilities Raise Concerns Over FCC Plan for Unlicensed Use of Critical Spectrum

[mahatmakanejeeves]

This is sort of PR, but it might be worth thinking about.

See also: Meteorologists Worry 5G Expansion Could Interfere With Weather Forecasts

Utilities Raise Concerns Over FCC Plan for Unlicensed Use of Critical Spectrum

Published
May 21, 2019
Author
Cathy Cash

Communications for utilities to provide service and safety would be placed at risk if federal regulators open a critical spectrum band to Wi-Fi providers and other unlicensed users.

NRECA and the utility groups that represent hundreds of licensed spectrum users sent that message to the Federal Communications Commission in a May 15 letter. The FCC is proposing to allow unlicensed access to the 6 GHz band used by these critical-infrastructure industries to monitor and operate their networks.

“[W]e have significant concerns that this proposal will threaten the integrity of our mission-critical communications networks,” the utility trade groups said.

NRECA, joined by the American Public Power Association, the American Water Works Association, the Edison Electric Institute and the Utilities Technology Council, highlighted the importance of utility communications on this band and the need to protect its access.
....

Cathy Cash is a staff writer for NRECA.

FILINGS
NRECA Letter to FCC on Importance of 6 GHz Spectrum Band

Published
May 15, 2019
Author
Brian O'Hara
Director, Regulatory Affairs

​NRECA, along with the American Public Power Association, Edison Electric Institute, American Water Works Association, and Utilities Technology Council, sent a letter to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Pai urging the FCC to protect the licensed, mission-critical communications systems in the 6 GHz band that are used to monitor and support the reliable delivery of electricity and other critical utility services. We expressed concerns regarding the FCC's proposal to open the 6 GHz spectrum band to unlicensed use. FULL LETTER

[Farmer-Rick]

1. Is that how they monitor my electricity use without ever coming out to read my meter?

I wish they would do that with my water meter. They keep reading it wrong.