NextNav's 900 MHz Band Proposal Draws Quick Objections From Amateur Radio Operators

Amateur radio operators are already making their opposition known to a proposal from NextNav that the FCC reconfigure the 902-928 MHz band “to enable a high-quality, terrestrial complement” to GPS for positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) services (see 2404160043). Comments are due Sept. 5, replies Sept. 20, on a public notice from the FCC, but amateurs have begun filing comments (docket 24-240), posting nearly 60 just in the past few days.

NextNav asked the FCC to reconfigure the lower 900 MHz Band by creating a 5-MHz uplink in the 902-907 MHz band paired with a 10-MHz downlink in the 918-928 MHz band, shifting remaining non-location and monitoring service licensees to the 907-918 MHz portion of the band, according to the FCC's public notice on the petition.

“We appreciate the FCC's prompt public notice as this is an important step in delivering an innovative spectrum solution in the lower 900 MHz band,” NextNav CEO Mariam Sorond said on an earnings call last week. Providing “a complement and backup to GPS is critical for safeguarding the things we need daily, from locating emergency callers to addressing critical infrastructure and national security needs,” she said.

The notice is “a standard first step in the FCC rulemaking process,” a NextNav spokesperson said in an emailed statement: “Public Notices often result in robust discussions, and we look forward to engaging with the FCC and stakeholders as this process continues."

David May, an operator from Orlando, objected based on concerns about 915 MHz long-range (LoRa) radios. “I urge the Commission to carefully evaluate the implications of the proposed modifications and to engage with stakeholders in the emergency communication community to understand the full scope of these devices' utility,” May said. Maintaining open channels for emergency communications “is paramount, and I hope the FCC will recognize and preserve the critical role that 915 MHz LoRa radios play in safeguarding our communities.”

The changes requested “will basically eliminate all amateur use of the band,” amateur Greg Stahlman said. “Since there is so much low power unlicensed equipment on this band, the only usable sections are 902-903 and 927-928 MHz.” Stahlman said amateurs primarily use 902-902.2 MHz for repeater inputs and 927-928 MHz for repeater outputs.

“In times of cellular and internet blackouts, LoRa radios serve as a vital communication tool for first responders, families, friends, neighborhoods, and entire cities,” said Stephen Kean, an amateur operator in Austin. “The community utilizing these radios is substantial and growing rapidly, potentially encompassing tens of thousands of users across the country.”

“This is not a disused segment of the spectrum,” operator Ryan Kalle said. “This is a segment that is utilized by the public and a community of amateur radio enthusiasts that is vibrant, thriving, and growing,” Kalle said. The proposal is “anti-competitive and anti-innovation, and not in the best interests of the public at large,” operator Russell Park commented.

Last week, NextNav welcomed the FCC's release of the PN. “NextNav is the primary geographic licensee in the Lower 900 MHz Band and has used its existing licenses to develop industry-leading PNT expertise and products,” the company said: “Much of this band is underutilized due to a legacy band plan and rules.”

NextNav's Sorond noted on the call with analysts that the PN seeks comment only on whether there should be an NPRM. “It can take a considerable amount of time for the record to be evaluated and the subsequent NPRM to be drafted, reviewed and released,” she said.