M2Z: T-Mobile's interference argument over AWS-3 spectrum flawed

M2Z Networks is working to make T-Mobile USA's interference concerns regarding the 2155-2180 MHz band the FCC wants to auction for free wireless broadband services a moot point. The company, which wants to bid on the spectrum, has pointed out that T-Mobile in the Czech Republic is currently providing broadband services using similar spectrum and similar technical rules to those the FCC plans to adopt for the band.

T-Mobile has been aggressively arguing that time division duplex (TDD) technology would cause a problem if deployed in the U.S. adjacent to its frequency division duplex (FDD) operations in the AWS-1 band. T-Mobile's network in the Czech Republic, however, uses TDD (UMTS TDD technology) in unpaired spectrum and is adjacent to FDD operations within well-established standard power limits and without using spectrum guard bands, said a report from the Czech Telecommunications Office.

"As a former FCC official, I'm also particularly troubled by T-Mobile's selective presentation of information at the FCC about the state of the art in wireless technology and interference management," M2Z CEO John Muleta said in a statement.

The FCC wants to create a 25-megahertz swath of spectrum, known as AWS-3, that would support a nationwide license. The spectrum is referred to as advanced wireless services-3 and would require the licensee to dedicate 25 percent of its network capacity to free broadband service, install a network-based Internet filtering system to block pornography and allow open access to third-party devices and applications. T-Mobile has been the most vocal opponent of the plan.

For more:
- read WirelessWeek [1]

Related articles:
FCC grants more time for comments on AWS-3 auction plans. FCC article [2]
T-Mobile pressures FCC to reconsider free wireless Internet plan. T-Mobile article [3]