Background
In 2020, a consortium of electric industry associations published a report on the Impact of Proposed Wi-Fi Operations on Microwave Links at 6 GHz. The 6 GHz band of the radio spectrum is widely used by a broad array of industries responsible for critical infrastructure such as electric, gas and water utilities, railroads, and wireless carriers, as well as by public safety and law enforcement officials. Those industries rely on the 6 GHz band to operate their equipment, and it is their main source of both primary communications, and in-some cases back-up communications, during emergencies and disasters. The report identifies impacts to electric power operations. Additional follow-on work by EPRI and various affected stakeholders have shown—through testing--impacts to their critical electric infrastructure communications due to increased congestion and interference on the 6GHz wireless communication band. As adoption of the new technology increases, the risk to BPS operations may increase.
 
In addition, in April 2020, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a Report and Order that partially opened the 6 GHz band of radio spectrum to unlicensed users.  The sharing of this band of radio spectrum would introduce harmful interference with Bulk Power System operations.  Furthermore, there is a pending Notice of Further Proposed Rulemaking with the FCC to fully open the 6 GHz band to unlicensed use and cause additional harmful interference to proliferate in this radio spectrum band. 
 
The NERC RSTC has formed a 6 GHz Task Force to evaluate and provide recommendations as follows:
  • Determine scope of issue (e.g., limited to 6 GHz, relationship to other telecommunications items, etc.)
  • Gather information related to risk of harmful interference in the 6 GHz spectrum.
    • Identify penetration and Bulk Power System users relying on 6 GHz.
    • Reach to industry for input on potential readiness issues (e.g., trade associations, membership organization, compliance forums, registered entities, etc.).
    • Initiate or request industry information related to current harmful interference experience.
    • Identify potential mitigation strategies
  • Evaluate options for industry outreach.
  • Develop suggested recommendations related to the issue.
In support of these efforts, the 6 GHz Task Force is conducting a voluntary survey.  The Task Force is  requesting industry participation through the RSTC member companies and any additional participants from the Sectors they represent.  The survey purpose is the first attempt to assess penetration of 6 GHz usage or extent of condition related to Bulk Power System impacts.
 
Applicability
Telecom or Communication Network Experts

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