15.717—TVBDs that rely on spectrum sensing.
(a)
Parties may submit applications for certification of TVBDs that rely solely on spectrum sensing to identify available channels. Devices authorized under this section must demonstrate with an extremely high degree of confidence that they will not cause harmful interference to incumbent radio services.
(1)
In addition to the procedures in subpart J of part 2 of this chapter, applicants shall comply with the following.
(i)
The application must include a full explanation of how the device will protect incumbent authorized services against interference.
(ii)
Applicants must submit a pre-production device, identical to the device expected to be marketed.
(2)
The Commission will follow the procedures below for processing applications pursuant to this section.
(i)
Applications will be placed on public notice for a minimum of 30 days for comments and 15 days for reply comments. Applicants may request that portions of their application remain confidential in accordance with § 0.459 of this chapter. This public notice will include proposed test procedures and methodologies.
(ii)
The Commission will conduct laboratory and field tests of the pre-production device. This testing will be conducted to evaluate proof of performance of the device, including characterization of its sensing capability and its interference potential. The testing will be open to the public.
(iii)
Subsequent to the completion of testing, the Commission will issue by public notice, a test report including recommendations. The public notice will specify a minimum of 30 days for comments and, if any objections are received, an additional 15 days for reply comments.
(b)
The device shall meet the requirements for personal/portable devices in this subpart except that it will be limited to a maximum EIRP of 50 mw and it does not have to comply with the requirements for geo-location and database access in § 15.711(b). Compliance with the detection threshold for spectrum sensing in § 15.711(c), although required, is not necessarily sufficient for demonstrating reliable interference avoidance. Once a device is certified, additional devices that are identical in electrical characteristics and antenna systems may be certified under the procedures of part 2, subpart J of this chapter.