The FCC has issued a Public Notice announcing the effective date of rules changes adopted its 800 MHz Cellular Service (Cellular) modernization proceeding. While some of the adopted rule changes are already effective, others required the approval Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). As of December 1, 2017, the revised radiated power rules for Cellular service become effective. Cellular licensees will be able to test and deploy facilities using a power spectral density (PSD) model to give them substantially enhanced flexibility in their system designs. In addition, the new permanent discontinuance rule, Section 22.947, also becomes effective and Cellular licensees will no longer need to file a notification for an individual cell site’s permanent discontinuance. The new permanent discontinuance rule will apply only in cases where service is discontinued to the entire cellular geographic service area (CGSA). Also, Cellular licensees will no longer need to file a minor modification application for a coverage reduction in their CGSA.
