Date="10/01/93" Citation="58 FR 51299" Group="commerce" Type="PROPOSED RULE" Department="FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION" Agency="FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION" Subject="Cordless Telephones"

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 47 CFR Parts 15 and 90 [ET Docket No. 93-235; FCC 93-422] Cordless Telephones AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Proposed rule.

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 47 CFR Parts 15 and 90 [ET Docket No. 93-235; FCC 93-422] Cordless Telephones AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Proposed rule. .. ------------------------------------------------------------ SUMMARY: This notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) proposes to provide additional frequencies for operation of cordless telephones, which could relieve channel congestion and reduce interference to cordless telephones operating in the 46 MHz and 49 MHz frequency bands. This proposal responds to a petition for rule making filed by the Telecommunications Industry Association. DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before November 8, 1993, and reply comments on or before November 23, 1993. ADDRESSES: Federal Communications Commission, 1919 M Street, NW., Washington, DC 20554. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: George Harenberg, Office of Engineering and Technology, (202) 653-7314. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Commission's Notice of Proposed Rule Making in ET Docket No. 93-235, FCC 93-422, adopted August 20, 1993, and released September 17, 1993. The full text of this decision is available for inspection and copying during normal business hours in the FCC Dockets Branch (room 230), 1919 M Street, NW., Washington, DC. The complete text of this decision also may be purchased from the Commission's duplicating contractor, International Transcription Service, Inc., at (202) 857-3800, 2100 M Street, NW., suite 140, Washington, DC 20037. Synopsis of Notice of Proposed Rulemaking 1. On August 20, 1992, the Personal Communications Section of the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) filed a petition seeking additional frequencies for cordless telephones. TIA states that the continued popularity of cordless telephones and the resulting increase in market penetration threatens to cause channel-crowding problems, especially in high-density locations such as urban areas and high-rise condominiums. Further, TIA notes that five of the existing ten channels are available for other 47 CFR part 15 low power transmitters. The 47 CFR part 15 devices that give rise to the greatest concern are baby monitors, which, because they tend to be active for long periods of time, render these five channels unusable for nearby cordless telephones. 2. TIA proposes that the Commission make available an additional 15 channel pairs using 30 frequencies near 44 MHz and 49 MHz for cordless telephones. The proposed frequencies are currently allocated to the Private Land Mobile Radio Service (PLMRS). TIA asserts that use of the proposed frequencies will facilitate design of cordless telephones that use both the existing and the new frequencies. TIA believes that the 47 CFR part 15 rules for these new frequencies should be identical to the current rules governing 46/49 MHz channels, with the following exceptions: (1) To reduce the likelihood of interference between cordless telephones and the PLMRS, cordless telephones using the new frequencies should include a mechanism for automatically monitoring, and preventing transmitter activation on, frequencies on which co-channel; PLMRS signals are present; (2) there is no need to designate specific frequency pairs for each channel and (3) ``offset frequency'' operation should not be permitted. 3. In response to the TIA petition, the Commission put the petition out for comment on October 1, 1992 and seven parties submitted comments in response to the petition. All the comments support the petition and urge the Commission to move forward as soon as possible. In light of the above, we tentatively find it in the public interest to make additional frequencies available for cordless telephones in the 44 MHz and 49 MHz region of the spectrum. Specifically, we are proposing to make the 30 frequencies suggested by TIA available for cordless telephone use under 47 CFR part 15. This action will relieve channel crowding and interference to cordless telephones. Because of the close proximity to the current 46/49 MHz frequencies, manufacturers could employ current designs and will only need to add the automatic channel selection feature. We expect there would be little or no increase in the cost of the equipment. We will apply the same technical and administrative requirements that apply to the current 46/49 MHz cordless telephones. We invite comments on the proposed frequencies and whether alternative frequencies would be more suitable. 4. We recognize that the proposed 44 MHz frequencies are located within the intermediate frequencies (IF) pass-band of television receivers. In addition, in the frequency region of TV IF where the proposed frequencies are to be located, television receivers are somewhat more susceptible to interference than the spectrum location of the current 46 MHz cordless telephone operations. Comments are invited as to whether and to what extent the proposed 44 MHz frequencies pose a significantly grater interference risk to the reception of TV broadcasting than the 46 MHz frequencies already used by cordless telephone. 5. TIA proposed that cordless telephones be designed to include a mechanism for automatically monitoring, and preventing activation on, frequencies on which co-channel signals are present. Several parties expressed concern regarding the cost of designing cordless telephones that satisfy this requirement. In its reply comments, TIA proposed the following wording for our Rules: Cordless telephones using these frequencies must incorporate an automatic channel selection mechanism which will prevent establishment of a link on an occupied frequency. 6. We believe that cordless telephones using the proposed frequencies must employ a mechanism to avoid causing interference to the PLMRS. We agree with TIA that manufacturers should be afforded flexibility in the type of interference-avoidance mechanisms that are used. Accordingly, we are proposing the revised requirement suggested by TIA. At the same time, we invite comment as to whether there is a need for more specific requirements to protect against interference to the PLMRS. We solicit information as to the cost of implementing this requirement. We also invite comment as to whether we should require any specific information to be filed with applications for equipment authorization to demonstrate compliance with this requirement. 7. The current 47 CFR part 15 rules assign specific pairs of 46 MHz frequencies for base units and handsets for each of the ten cordless telephone channels. TIA suggests that there should be no pairing of the new frequencies. We agree that pairing of frequencies is inappropriate in this case. We are, however, proposing to designate the lower frequencies at 44 MHz for base units in order to minimize potential interference to TV broadcasting. This is consistent with the designation of the 46 MHz frequencies for base units under the current rules. 8. The original rules for cordless telephones required each channel to be centered in a 20 kHz bandwidth. The Commission subsequently proposed and ultimately amended the rules to permit manufacturers to place two (or more) signals inside the 20 kHz bandwidth by narrowing signals to 10 kHz and offsetting them from the center of the channel. We believe that the matter of channel offsets should be considered concurrently for both the existing and proposed cordless telephone channels so that our rules will be consistent. Accordingly, we invite comment as to other ways we can provide for future low-cost spectrum-efficient cordless telephone that may seek to use the existing and proposed frequencies. In particular, we invite comment as to whether 20 kHz is the appropriate bandwidth for the new frequencies. 9. The Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis is contained in the test of the Notice. 10. Comment Dates. Pursuant to applicable procedures set forth in 47 CFR 1.415 and 1.419, interested parties may file comments on or before November 8, 1993, and reply comments on or before November 23, 1993. To file formally in this proceeding, you must file an original and five copies of all comments, reply comments, and supporting comments. If you want each Commissioner to receive a copy of your comments, you must file an original plus nine copies. You should send comments and reply comments to Office of the Secretary, Federal Communications Commission, Washington, DC 20554. Comments and reply comments will be available for public inspection during normal business hours in the Dockets Reference Room of the Federal Communications Commission, 1919 M Street, NW., Washington, DC 20554. 11. Ex Parte Rules-Non-Restricted Proceeding. This is a non- restricted notice and comment rule making proceeding. Ex parte presentations are permitted, except during the Sunshine Agenda period, provided they are disclosed as provided in Commission rules. See generally 47 CFR 1.1202, 1.1203 and 1.1206(a). 12. For further information on this proceeding contact George Harenberg, Technical Standards Branch, Office of Engineering and Technology, 202-653-7314. List of Subjects 47 CFR Part 15 Radio, Communications Equipment, Telephone. 47 CFR Part 90 Communications equipment, Radio. Federal Communications Commission. William F. Caton, Acting Secretary. Amendatory Text A. Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations, parts 15 and 90, are proposed to be amended as follows: PART 15-RADIO FREQUENCY DEVICES 1. The authority citation for part 15 continues to read as follows: Authority: Sections 4, 302, 303, 304, and 307 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 154, 302, 303, 304, and 307. 2. Section 15.233 is amended by revising the section heading and paragraph (b) to read as follows: . 15.233 Operation within the bands 43.71-44.49 mHz, 46.60- 46.98 MHz, 48.75-49.51 MHz and 49.66-50.0 MHz. * * * * * (b) An intentional radiator used as part of a cordless telephone system shall operate centered on one or more of the following frequency pairs, subject to the following conditions: (1) Frequencies shall be paired as shown below, except that channel pairing for channels one through fifteen may be accomplished by pairing any of the fifteen base transmitter frequencies with any of the fifteen handset transmitter frequencies. (2) Cordless telephones operating on channels one through fifteen must incorporated an automatic channel selection mechanism that will prevent establishment of a link on an occupied frequency . ------------------------------------------------+-------------+--------------- | Base | Handset Channel | transmitter | transmitter | (MHz) | (MHz) ------------------------------------------------+-------------+--------------- | | 1 ............................................ | 43.720 | 48.760 2 ............................................ | 43.740 | 48.840 3 ............................................ | 43.820 | 48.860 4 ............................................ | 43.840 | 48.920 5 ............................................ | 43.920 | 49.012 6 ............................................ | 43.960 | 49.080 7 ............................................ | 44.120 | 49.100 8 ............................................ | 44.160 | 49.160 9 ............................................ | 44.180 | 49.200 10 ............................................ | 44.200 | 49.240 11 ............................................ | 44.320 | 49.280 12 ............................................ | 44.360 | 49.360 13 ............................................ | 44.400 | 49.400 14 ............................................ | 44.460 | 49.460 15 ............................................ | 44.480 | 49.500 16 ............................................ | 46.610 | 49.670 17 ............................................ | 46.630 | 49.845 18 ............................................ | 46.670 | 49.860 19 ............................................ | 46.710 | 49.770 20 ............................................ | 46.730 | 49.875 21 ............................................ | 46.770 | 49.830 22 ............................................ | 46.830 | 49.890 23 ............................................ | 46.870 | 49.930 24 ............................................ | 46.930 | 49.990 25 ............................................ | 46.970 | 49.970 ------------------------------------------------+-------------+--------------- * * * * * PART 90-PRIVATE LAND MOBILE RADIO SERVICES 1. The authority citation for part 90 continues to read as follows: Authority: Sections 4, 303, and 332, 48 Stat. 1066, 1082, as amended; 47 U.S.C. Sections 154, 303, and 332, unless otherwise noted. 2. In . 90.65, the table in paragraph (b) is amended by revising the fifteen frequencies set forth below, and a new paragraph (c)(44) is added, to read as follows: . 90.65 Petroleum Radio Service. * * * * * (b) Frequencies available. *.*.* Petroleum Radio Service Frequency Table ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Frequency or band Class of station(s) Limitations ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ * * * * * Megahertz: * * * * * 48.76 ..................... ......do ................... 10, 44 * * * * * 48.84 ..................... ......do ................... 10, 44 48.86 ..................... ......do ................... 10, 44 * * * * * 48.92 ..................... ......do ................... 10, 44 * * * * * 49.02 ..................... ......do ................... 10, 44 * * * * * 49.08 ..................... ......do ................... 10, 44 49.10 ..................... ......do ................... 10, 44 * * * * * 49.16 ..................... ......do ................... 10, 44 * * * * * 49.20 ..................... ......do ................... 10, 44 * * * * * 49.24 ..................... ......do ................... 10, 44 * * * * * 49.28 ..................... ......do ................... 10, 44 * * * * * 49.36 ..................... ......do ................... 10, 44 * * * * * 49.40 ..................... ......do ................... 10, 44 * * * * * 49.46 ..................... ......do ................... 10, 44 * * * * * 49.50 ..................... ......do ................... 10, 44 * * * * * ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (c) * * * (44) This frequency is also used on a secondary basis for cordless telephones under part 15 of this chapter. * * * * * 3. In . 90.67, the table in paragraph (b) is amended by revising the fifteen frequencies set forth below, and a new paragraph (c)(38) is added, to read as follows: . 90.67 Forest Products Radio Service. * * * * * (b) Frequencies available. * * * Forest Products Radio Service Frequency Table ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Frequency or band Class of station(s) Limitations ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ * * * * * Megahertz: * * * * * 48.76 ..................... ......do ................... 2, 38 * * * * * 48.84 ..................... ......do ................... 2, 38 48.86 ..................... ......do ................... 2, 38 * * * * * 48.92 ..................... ......do ................... 2, 38 * * * * * 49.02 ..................... ......do ................... 2, 38 * * * * * 49.08 ..................... ......do ................... 2, 38 49.10 ..................... ......do ................... 2, 38 * * * * * 49.16 ..................... ......do ................... 2, 38 * * * * * 49.20 ..................... ......do ................... 2, 38 * * * * * 49.24 ..................... ......do ................... 2, 38 * * * * * 49.28 ..................... ......do ................... 2, 38 * * * * * 49.36 ..................... ......do ................... 2, 38 * * * * * 49.40 ..................... ......do ................... 2, 38 * * * * * 49.46 ..................... ......do ................... 2, 38 * * * * * 49.50 ..................... ......do ................... 2, 38 * * * * * ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (c) * * * (38) This frequency is also used on a secondary basis for cordless telephones under part 15 of this chapter. * * * * * 4. In . 90.89, the table in paragraph (b) is amended by revising the fifteen frequencies set forth below, and a new paragraph (c)(23) is added, to read as follows: . 90.89 Motor Carrier Radio Service. * * * * * (b) Frequencies available.* * * Motor Carrier Radio Service Frequency Table ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Frequency or band Class of station(s) Limitations ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Megahertz: * * * * * 43.72 ..................... ......do ................... 4, 23 43.74 ..................... ......do ................... 4, 23 * * * * * 43.82 ..................... ......do ................... 4, 23 43.84 ..................... ......do ................... 4, 23 * * * * * 43.92 ..................... ......do ................... 5, 6, 23 * * * * * 43.96 ..................... ......do ................... 5, 23 * * * * * 44.12 ..................... ......do ................... 5, 23 * * * * * 44.16 ..................... ......do ................... 5, 23 44.18 ..................... ......do ................... 5, 23 44.20 ..................... ......do ................... 5, 20, 23 * * * * * 44.32 ..................... ......do ................... 5, 23 * * * * * 44.36 ..................... ......do ................... 5, 6, 23 * * * * * 44.40 ..................... ......do ................... 5, 6, 23 * * * * * 44.46 ..................... ......do ................... 1, 23 44.48 ..................... ......do ................... 1, 23 * * * * * ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (c) * * * (23) This frequency is also used on a secondary basis for cordless telephones under part 15 of this chapter. * * * * * [FR Doc. 93-24090 Filed 9-30-93; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712-01-M ------------------------------------------------------ The Contents entry for this article reads as follows: Radio services, special: Private land mobile services- Cordless telephones; additional operation frequencies, 51299