10 Dec UTC URGES IMMEDIATE ACTION BY FCC TO PREVENT HARMING UTILITY COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS
The following statement may be attributed to UTC President & CEO Sheryl Osiene-Riggs.
“UTC, together with eleven associations representing a broad cross-section of electric, gas and water utilities, public safety and other critical infrastructure, filed a Petition for Rulemaking and a Request for Stay with the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) to prevent radiofrequency interference to their mission-critical communications from unlicensed operations in the 6 GHz band. The Commission must develop new rules for the 6 GHz band because real-world testing has proven that 6 GHz low-power indoor (LPI) devices will cause interference to licensed microwave systems. The threat of interference from these devices is imminent and substantial, and the Commission must stop certifying 6 GHz LPI devices and revoke the certification of those devices it has already approved. The Commission should also conduct independent tests to determine if it is necessary to develop new rules for unlicensed standard power access devices. Finally, the Commission must implement a cost recovery mechanism for incumbent licensees to reimburse them for any expenses incurred in mitigating and resolving interference from unlicensed operators in the 6 GHz band.”
“UTC expects swift action by the Commission on the Petition for Rulemaking and Request for Stay to protect the safe and uninterrupted operation of critical utility communications systems and the electric, gas, and water services that they support.”
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About UTC
The Utilities Technology Council (UTC) is a global trade association dedicated to serving critical infrastructure providers. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, UTC creates a favorable business, regulatory, and technology environment for our members who own or operate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems in support of their core business. For more information: UTC.org
