FCC FCC Spectrum Management and Radio Frequency Allocation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the FCC's Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) and what band does it use?
- A shared spectrum framework in the 3.5 GHz band allowing priority-based access for multiple users (Correct answer)
- A personal communications service in the 900 MHz band
- A maritime radio service for coastal broadband
- A rural broadband service using the 600 MHz band
Correct answer: A shared spectrum framework in the 3.5 GHz band allowing priority-based access for multiple users
CBRS is an FCC framework in the 3.5 GHz band (3550-3700 MHz) that enables shared spectrum access among federal incumbents, priority access licensees, and general authorized access users.
Question 2: What is the 'duplex gap' in cellular spectrum allocation?
- The unused frequency space between uplink and downlink bands in FDD systems (Correct answer)
- The time delay between transmission and reception in TDD systems
- The bandwidth difference between 4G and 5G allocations
- The separation between licensed and unlicensed bands
Correct answer: The unused frequency space between uplink and downlink bands in FDD systems
In FDD (frequency division duplex) cellular systems, the duplex gap is the unused spectrum buffer between the uplink and downlink frequency bands.
Question 3: What FCC proceeding led to the allocation of spectrum for 5G services in millimeter wave bands?
- The Spectrum Frontiers proceeding (Correct answer)
- The National Broadband Plan
- The Open Internet proceeding
- The Incentive Auction proceeding
Correct answer: The Spectrum Frontiers proceeding
The FCC's Spectrum Frontiers proceeding, begun in 2016, opened up high-band millimeter wave spectrum for 5G and other advanced wireless services.
Question 4: What is the primary function of the Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee (IRAC) in US spectrum management?
- To coordinate frequency assignments for federal government radio systems (Correct answer)
- To advise Congress on commercial spectrum policy
- To manage the FCC's spectrum auction process
- To resolve interference disputes between states
Correct answer: To coordinate frequency assignments for federal government radio systems
IRAC coordinates radio frequency use among federal government agencies and advises the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) on spectrum matters.
Question 5: What does the FCC's Universal Licensing System (ULS) do?
- It is the FCC's online database and licensing system for wireless radio services (Correct answer)
- It sets uniform technical standards for all licensed equipment
- It creates a universal spectrum allocation for all wireless devices
- It provides a shared radio frequency for emergency services
Correct answer: It is the FCC's online database and licensing system for wireless radio services
The FCC's Universal Licensing System is the online database and application system used to apply for, renew, and modify wireless radio service licenses.
Question 6: What is 'dynamic spectrum access' (DSA) in the context of FCC spectrum policy?
- Technology that allows devices to sense available spectrum and use it opportunistically without causing harmful interference (Correct answer)
- A method for the FCC to dynamically reassign spectrum between services
- A technique for increasing data throughput on a fixed spectrum allocation
- A system for auctioning spectrum in real time
Correct answer: Technology that allows devices to sense available spectrum and use it opportunistically without causing harmful interference
Dynamic spectrum access refers to technologies and methods that allow radio devices to sense and use available spectrum opportunistically, improving overall spectrum efficiency.
FCC FCC Spectrum Management and Radio Frequency Allocation 2
What is the FCC's Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) and what band does it use?