700 MHz Interoperability Workshop

On Tuesday, April 26, 2011, the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) held a workshop on the interoperability of customer mobile equipment across commercial spectrum blocks in the 700 MHz Band. This event focused on exploring solutions for promoting the development and availability of equipment for the 700 MHz band. In addition, the workshop discussed providers' technology choices for the 700 MHz band, including the planned deployment of Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology by certain providers, and how these technology choices can affect equipment availability, competition, and roaming. The workshop was held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Commission Meeting Room at FCC Headquarters in Washington, DC.

9:00 a.m.  Welcoming Remarks

9:10 a.m. Panel 1: Technical Issues Related to 700 MHz Interoperability and the Development of Standards for the 700 MHz Band

In this panel, industry experts will discuss the interoperability issues associated with the 700 MHz bands, as well as the technical issues related to the current and developing standards for 700 MHz equipment. Topics will include the 3GPP technical standards for 700 MHz band, interference issues related to the broadcast use of Channel 51 and Lower 700 MHz Blocks D and E, the trend toward inter-band carrier aggregation, and technical challenges in developing a single upper band that covers Band 13 and Band 14.

• Edgar Fernandes - Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff, Motorola Solutions
• Gene Fong - Senior Staff Engineer, Qualcomm CDMA Technologies
• Doug Hyslop - Partner, Wireless Strategy
• Paul Kolodzy - Wireless Consultant to Vulcan Wireless
• William (Bill) H. Stone - Executive Director of Network Strategy, Verizon Wireless

10:30 a.m. Break

10:40 a.m. Panel 2: Market Issues Related to 700 MHz Equipment

In this panel, industry representatives and consumer group representative will address market issues related to 700 MHz equipment currently being offered or developed for consumers in general. Topics will include status of the current and near-term market for 700 MHz devices, ability of small/regional providers to obtain Band 12 devices at a competitive cost, and the effect of interoperability on promoting the public interest, including promoting competition, access to broadband, public safety and the widespread availability of service in rural areas.

• Stacey Black - Assistant Vice President for Market Development, AT&T
• Michael Chard - Senior Director, Business Development, Qualcomm CDMA Technologies
• Eric B. Graham - Vice President, Strategic and Government Relations, Cellular South, Inc.
• Dennis Martinez - Chief Technology Officer, Harris RF Communications Division, Harris Corporation
• Matt Wood - Associate Director, Media Access Project