The FCC has released a public notice announcing the beginning of a four month window for incumbent licensees in the 3650-3700 MHz band to file supplemental information required to define their Grandfathered Wireless Protection Zone within the framework for deployment of the Citizens Broadband Radio Services (CBRS). In its April 2015 3.5 GHz Order, the FCC established the new CBRS in the 3550-3700 MHz band and adopted rules protecting existing licensees registered base stations in the 3650-3700 MHz portion of that band from harmful interference by new CBRS operations. A subsequent FCC public notice in August 2016 contained the Commission’s methodology for determining the protected contours for these grandfathered licensees. Per FCC rules, only licensees that were registered in ULS prior to April 17, 2015 and with constructed facilities as of April 17, 2016 are now authorized to define their Grandfathered Wireless Protection Zone in this application process. Prospective grandfathered 3.65 GHz licensees seeking FCC protection must file applications on or before August 7, 2017. Licensees who do not file applications may continue to operate, but they will not be afforded protection from interference caused by new CBRS operations.
