The FCC adopted changes in its rules for ‘quiet zones’ - - areas ...

The FCC adopted changes in its rules for “quiet zones” - - areas where wireless operations must be restricted to minimize impacts on radio astronomy and other sensitive operations. The Commission said the changes last week streamlined requirements for applications affecting quiet zones while protecting those areas from harmful interference. It changed the rules by allowing immediate processing of applications that might affect the areas when the applicant obtains consent from the affected entity. The changes spell out that applicants can begin coordination with quiet zone entities before filing an FCC application. They allow Part 101 applicants to start operating conditionally if they have obtained prior consent from the quiet zone entity. The agency clarified that the applicant or its frequency coordinator could begin required coordination proceedings with the quiet zone entity. FCC rules require coordination of wireless services applications and operations in certain quiet zones, including the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Green Bank, W.Va., and the Naval Radio Research Observatory in Sugar Grove, W.Va. Others include Commerce Dept. labs in the Table Mountain Radio Receiving Zone in Boulder County, Colo., FCC field offices used for monitoring activities, and Puerto Rico’s Arecibo Observatory. The FCC said it found that “waiting for the expiration of the 20-day waiting period in cases in which the applicant has consulted with, and obtained approval from, the quiet zone entity, unduly delays the processing of applications.”