The Commission’s rule for over-the-air reception devices (OTARD) to expand its coverage to include hub and relay antennas that are used for the distribution of broadband-only fixed wireless services to multiple customer locations, regardless of whether they are primarily used for this purpose, provided the antennas satisfy other conditions of the rule. By making this modest adjustment to our rule while maintaining the other existing OTARD restrictions, the FCC places fixed wireless broadband-only service providers on similar competitive footing with other service providers. This rule change should allow fixed wireless service providers to bring faster Internet speeds, lower latency, and advanced applications—like the Internet of Things, telehealth, and remote learning—to all areas of the country, and to rural and underserved communities in particular. See Report and Order for full details.
FCC Updates Rules For Over-The-Air Reception Devices
Posted: January 11, 2021