The FCC has adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Order, proposing to establish a framework that will enable increased broadband deployment on all ten megahertz of the 896-901/935-940 MHz band’s (900 MHz band) spectrum while also maintaining the option of narrowband operations to meet the needs of incumbents in the band. The Commission is seeking comment on its proposed voluntary, negotiation-based process to transition the entire ten megahertz in the 900 MHz band for broadband use in counties where broadband proponents and incumbent licensees reach private agreements to do so. Additionally, the Commission seeks comment on whether the current 900 MHz broadband rules are appropriate vehicles for effectuating a ten megahertz broadband licensing framework. In the Order, the FCC delegates to the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau the authority to modify or terminate the current freeze on certain applications in the 900 MHz band.
