Wireless Innovation for Last Mile Access: A Regulatory Analysis

Yankelevich, Aleksandr; Shapiro, Mitchell; Dutton, William H.; Murphy, Derek

doi:10.2139/ssrn.2891763

Cited by 1 publication

(4 citation statements)

References 23 publications

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“…We supplemented the findings from our interviews with a thorough review of applicable sections of the US Code of Federal Regulations, relevant FCC orders and regulations at the state level and other local jurisdictions. This paper does not describe each of the case studies and regulations, as these are profiled in detail in two separate reports (Shapiro et al, 2016;Yankelevich et al, 2016). Instead, we focus on a synthesis of these more detailed studies to arrive at key opportunities and challenges involved with wireless deployment, first as they apply to relatively rural areas where competition may be scarce, but the cost of wireline broadband deployment is potentially prohibitive, and second as relevant for more densely populated geographies with more robust competition in some areas, but unmet needs in others, such as distressed (sub)urban areas.…”

Section: Approach and Methodologymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Wireless point-to-point backhaul links can deliver gigabit speeds using higher-frequency spectrum bands, (Yankelevich et al, 2016;Table IV) but, again, even these gigabit wireless deployments cannot match the capacity of fiber backhaul, which is measurable in terabits [13].…”

Section: Throughputmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A great part of this involved higher-frequency spectrum most applicable for urban and metropolitan areas, particularly mmW spectrum [18]. Rule changes that have taken place since the release of the National Broadband Plan include the expansion of the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band by 25 MHz, the creation of flexible use licenses that could permit mobile operations in the 28 and 39 GHz bands, relaxation of emission limits in the 60 GHz band to enable longer communication distances and expansion of that band by an additional 7 GHz under its rules for unlicensed devices (Yankelevich et al, 2016). The FCC (2016b) has also recently sought comment on authorizing fixed and mobile use of various additional mmW bands.…”

Section: Regulationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…9. Shapiro et al (2016) and Yankelevich et al (2016) profile two educational broadband deployments that rely on EBS, one a joint project between Merit Network and Northern Michigan University using EBS obtained through an FCC waiver, and another by Albemarle County Public Schools, which held a previously allocated license. 10.…”

Section: Notesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Reaching beyond the wire: challenges facing wireless for the last mile

Yankelevich¹,

Shapiro

Dutton³

2017

DPRG

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Purpose This paper aims to provide a critical perspective on the major opportunities and challenges facing the future of wireless access to broadband internet services in the USA. In particular, it seeks to develop realistic expectations for new entrants and existing wireline broadband providers, hoping to diversify into wireless to extend the reach of broadband to previously underserved markets. Design/methodology/approach The paper synthesizes a series of empirical case studies of efforts to develop wireless projects across the USA. Cases were chosen to reflect variations in recent initiatives related to spectrum used, housing density, topography, types of services provided and the type of entity providing them. Findings are supplemented by a thorough review of applicable sections of the Code of Federal Regulations, Federal Communications Commission Orders and state and local regulations. Findings Although developments in wireless technology and regulation have permitted novel approaches for using wireless to extend the reach of broadband, myriad challenges must be addressed for successful expansion. These include limitations on throughput, infrastructure and equipment hurdles, regulatory uncertainty and relatively low revenue potential in underserved markets. Practical implications This study can serve as a guide to the nuances that wireless broadband providers must take into account when extending service in different settings. Because social and regulatory contexts are critical, the authors anchor their findings in a study of US cases and regulations. Nonetheless, the opportunities and challenges that are explored can be of relevance for practitioners considering wireless access in other countries where comparable situations may arise. Originality/value Existing scholarship generally focuses on the opportunities of wireless technologies for extending the reach and quality of broadband without methodically exploring potential hurdles. In this paper, the authors carefully consider both, paying attention to the social, financial, policy and technical challenges that must be addressed to successfully design and implement different wireless initiatives.

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Section: Approach and Methodologymentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Throughputmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Regulationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Notesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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