As part of its reexamination of spectrum use, the FCC is asking for public comment on the possibility of incorporating receiver interference immunity performance specifications into its spectrum policy.
Such specifications, the FCC said, could be in the form of incentives, guidelines or regulatory requirements in particular frequency bands, services or across bands and services. It covers a broad range of media including digital television, AM/FM radio and other receiving devices.
Incorporation of receiver performance specifications could serve to promote more efficient utilization of the spectrum and create opportunities for new and additional use of radio communications by the American public, the FCC said.
The FCC noted that a radio receiver’s susceptibility to interference is largely dependent on the interference immunity of the device, particularly with regard to its rejection of undesired radio frequency (RF) energy and signals. It stated that if the receivers used in connection with a radio service are designed to provide a certain immunity or tolerance of undesired RF energy and signals, more efficient and predictable use of the spectrum resource can be achieved, as well as greater opportunities for access to the spectrum.
FCC Commissioner Kathleen Abernathy said the FCC traditionally has relied primarily on approaches that control the emissions and locations of transmitters and the frequencies used by specific types of radio operations. “While this method has worked in the past, the changing pace of technology and the increasing demands placed on the spectrum resource indicate that it is time for the FCC to look into changing its approach,” she said.
“The information gathered in this proceeding will form the basis for the interference standards for many of the items we each use on a daily basis including the next generation of digital televisions and AM/FM radios,” she said.
For more information visit www.fcc.gov.
