Report No. DC 95-53     ACTION IN DOCKET CASE         April 5, 1995
     
                                                                                                                                            FCC AMENDS ITS RULES TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL
     FREQUENCIES FOR CORDLESS TELEPHONES
     (ET Docket No. 93-235)
     
                        Today, the FCC made 15 new channel pairs available for use by
     cordless telephones in order to alleviate congestion on existing channels.  The
     Commission's action provides manufacturers an opportunity to provide
     consumers a variety of cordless telephone choices to meet their performance
     needs.  Cordless telephones operating on the new frequencies will deliver
     improved service at an affordable cost.  
     
           Over the years the Commission has considered a variety of alternatives
     for dealing with congestion on cordless telephone frequencies.  The new
     channels, near 44 and 49 MHz, offer several advantages over other frequency
     bands.  The close proximity of the new channels to existing frequencies will
     enable continued use of existing technology.  Furthermore, new cordless
     telephones will be able to make use of both the old and new channels to offer
     twenty-five channel capability.  The risk of interference to the public land
     mobile radio service (PLMRS) users that will share spectrum with cordless
     telephones on the new channels, and to television receivers that use these
     frequencies internally is very low.  In light of these factors, use of the new
     channels for cordless telephones appears to be the most reasonable means
     for ensuring that consumer demand for these low-cost products continues  to
     be met.
     
           As a corollary to the allocation of additional channels, the Commission
     also eliminated the rule that permits use of offset channels by cordless
     telephones.  When the Commission adopted rules permitting channel offset, it
     was seeking to provide some relief for congestion on the crowded cordless
     telephone channels.  At that time, however, additional frequencies near the
     existing 46/49 MHz cordless telephone bands were not being considered.  The
     15 additional channels being provided now will more than double the number
     of frequencies available for cordless telephone use rendering the need for
     offset moot.  
           
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            In addition, consumers may choose among cordless telephones
     operating in other frequency bands that offer different performance levels at
     different costs.
     
           Action by the Commission April 5, 1995, by Report and Order (FCC 95-
     148).  Chairman Hundt, Commissioners Quello, Barrett, Ness and Chong.
     
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