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Apple Not a Fan of FCC's 700MHz Interoperability Plan

Aug 23, 2013, 12:10 PM by Eric M. Zeman

Apple has indicated that it opposes the Federal Communications Commission's mandate for interoperability in the 700MHz spectrum band. The FCC is weighing whether or not it should require all devices that use 700MHz spectrum to support all or most of the bands therein. AT&T and Verizon Wireless operate their LTE networks in Band Class 17 and Band Class 13, respectively, and Apple's iPhone works in both. The iPhone does not, however, support Band Class 12 in which smaller, regional operators, such as U.S. Cellular, operate. Smaller carriers have banded together and requested the interoperability measures, but the FCC has yet to act upon it. Apple's lawyers recently spoke to FCC representatives about the interoperability proceedings and called them unnecessary, problematic, and cost-inducing. AT&T also opposes the interoperability proposal. AT&T and others point to television channel 51 as the reason behind Band Class 17's creation in the first place, citing interference problems. A handful of interested parties met with the FCC to discuss the issue last month, but the FCC has not indicated when it may make a final ruling on the matter.

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Comments

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This forum is closed.

Jayshmay

Aug 23, 2013, 12:14 PM

Apple isn't a wireless carrier!

This is none of Apple's business! Spectrum is an issue between the FCC and wireless carriers, NOT manufacturers.

I swear, Apple is like the North Korea of the technology world.

Zpike

But Apple does have the manufacturing cost of supporting those bands on their devices. So, I can see why they are concerned. Not that it matters. They already sell inferior crap at a premium price. So, they would definitely pocket any savings rather t...
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Slammer

I hope Apple will have a hard time convincing the FCC to agree to this request. It greatly placates the largest carriers that have vested interests in these smaller rural areas. I suspect these carriers will keep their mouths shut during this time on ...
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Rich Brome

To be fair, Apple does bear the engineering cost of complying with this mandate. This is a mandate that applies to phones, not networks.

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muchdrama

Jayshmay said:
This is none of Apple's business! Spectrum is an issue between the FCC and wireless carriers, NOT manufacturers.

I swear, Apple is like the North Korea of the technology world.

You completely misse...
(continues)

...

Jellz

Aug 23, 2013, 12:58 PM

Channel 51?

What does that have to do with anything? Never heard of that.

Rich Brome

It's a UHF broadcast (over the air) TV channel. It occupies 692 - 698 MHz, which is next to the lower 700 MHz band that USCC and others use for LTE.

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