Spectrum Database Solution Enables Access to 5GHz Spectrum Previously Unavailable Due to Interference Issues

The Wireless Internet Service Providers Association and Spectrum Bridge Inc., Demonstrate How Database Technologies Can Be Used to Increase Efficient Use of Spectrum While Mitigating Interference

LAKE MARY, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Spectrum Bridge, Inc., in partnership with the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association (WISPA) today announced the release of U-NII Device Interference Advisor (UDIA)—an online database that reduces potential interference issues between unlicensed wireless devices operating in a frequency band shared with Terminal Doppler Weather Radar (TDWR) systems. Wireless ISPs (WISPs) operating near TDWR facilities can voluntarily register certain technical information into an online database. In the unlikely event of interference with a TDWR system, the database can help identify the source. The UDIA database was developed to promote cooperation between the federal agencies including the National Telecommunications and Information Association (NTIA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the wireless industry and to ensure the safe and effective operation of the FAA’s TDWR network.

TDWRs are Doppler weather radar systems that are strategically positioned near 48 major airports to detect wind shears and microbursts associated with thunder storms. The purpose of these radar systems is to increase the safety of aircraft landing and departing from airports.

TDWR frequencies (5.60-5.65 GHz) are shared with Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (U-NII) frequencies (5.47-5.725 GHz), which are used by many WISPs and other outdoor wireless network operators. Currently, manufacturers of outdoor U-NII equipment are unable to certify new equipment that operates between 5.4 and 5.725 GHz, resulting in 325 MHz of underutilized spectrum where new outdoor equipment is needed but cannot be used.

Until new U-NII equipment is certified and meets revised FCC rules, the database solution will be employed to facilitate coordination between U-NII band device users and the FAA’s TDWR sites. This will enable government and industry users to quickly determine if a U-NII device is located within a TDWR-35 kilometer zone and provide advice on frequencies for the U-NII device to avoid. Spectrum Bridge created the online database and registry leveraging existing proprietary technology used in SpecEx.com, its database of available licensed spectrum, and ShowMyWhiteSpace.com, its TV White Spaces database.

“This is a great example of how spectrum databases are being used to effectively manage interference issues,” states Peter Stanforth, CTO of Spectrum Bridge. “This solution would be equally applicable to other shared bands, and is an example of how our Universal Spectrum Access concept promotes efficient and effective use of spectrum.”

With the launch of this UDIA database solution, equipment manufacturers and the wireless industry expect the certification of new U-NII equipment to be reinvigorated. The database will help form the foundation to make the spectrum usable again and is helping to meet the demands outlined in the FCC National Broadband Plan.

The advantage for WISPs using the database is the ability to quickly search and identify detailed information about whether their towers are located near a TDWR site. The advantage of the database for federal government personnel is the ability to search a single resource and quickly identify registered network operators, to determine which operators may be interfering with the TDWR devices. Access to registration data is restricted to the FCC, the FAA and to individual network operators.

“We welcome this opportunity to partner with Spectrum Bridge and the wireless community to provide an easy-to-use online solution for WISPs and outdoor wireless network operators,” said Jack Unger, Chair of WISPA’s FCC Committee. “The more widely fixed wireless broadband operators can share spectrum without interference, the more citizens can enjoy the advantages of broadband.”

Spectrum Bridge’s database technology underlies the UDIA Solution, graphically displaying all master device and TDWR contours. Visit Spectrum Bridge’s website www.spectrumbridge.com to learn more about the other solutions leveraging this database driven technology; including the TV White Space Trial Networks and SpecEx, the online spectrum exchange www.specex.com.

About the Wireless Internet Service Provider Association:

WISPA is the leading trade organization serving the fixed wireless broadband industry. WISPA provides support, forums, education and advocacy for broadband fixed wireless ISPs (WISPs) and the opportunity for companies that provide products and services to the WISP industry to reach and market to WISPs. WISPA advocates for regulatory and legislative positions that benefit the WISP industry and the public and maintains working relationships with other industry trade groups and with governmental regulators to support projects (such as the UDIA database) that benefit everyone - the public, industry and government.

About Spectrum Bridge, Inc.:

Spectrum Bridge, Inc. (SBI) delivers software and services to wireless service providers and equipment manufacturers. SBI enables wireless networks to access and use all types of spectrum at any place or time via a database driven cognitive network architecture. The Company’s products are embedded in subscriber devices and network equipment to more efficiently allocate bandwidth throughout the entire wireless network. SBI’s technology provides customers greater capacity, coverage and utilization of scarce spectrum resources. Named to Fierce Wireless’ “Fierce15” as one of “the most innovative and smart emerging companies in the wireless industry”, the company is privately held and headquartered in Lake Mary, Florida. For more information, contact us at (866) 598-7426 or visit SpectrumBridge.com.

CONTACT:

Engage PR for Spectrum Bridge
Megan Atiyeh, +1-510-748-8200 ext. 228
MAtiyeh@engagepr.com
or
WISPA Technical Contact
Jack Unger, 818-227-4220
Chair - WISPA FCC Committee
junger@ask-wi.com
or
WISPA Media Contact
Forbes Mercy, 509-307-7777
Chair – WISPA Promotions Committee
forbes.mercy@wabroadband.com

KEYWORDS:   United States  North America  Florida

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:   Technology  Internet  Networks  Software  Telecommunications  Mobile/Wireless

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