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This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 9, 2001 |
NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Meribeth McCarrick at (202) 418-0654 | |
FCC EXAMINES ADDITIONAL SPECTRUM BANDS TO SUPPORT ADVANCED WIRELESS SERVICES
Washington, D.C. – The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) took action today to examine additional frequency bands that could be used to support the introduction of advanced wireless services, including third generation (3G) and future generations of wireless systems.
The Commission adopted a Memorandum Opinion and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (MO&O and FNPRM) that explores additional frequency bands including bands currently designated for the Mobile Satellite Service (MSS), the Unlicensed Personal Communications Service, the Amateur Radio Service, and the Multipoint Distribution Service. Specifically, the FCC seeks comment on reallocating some spectrum in the 1910-1930 MHz, 1990-2025 MHz, 2150-2160 MHz, 2165-2200 MHz, and 2390-2400 MHz bands for new advanced wireless services.
On January 4, 2000, the Commission adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that examined various spectrum bands for new, advanced wireless services. The bands included those currently used for cellular, broadband Personal Communications Service (PCS), and Specialized Mobile Radio (SMR) services, as well as five other frequency bands: 1710-1755 MHz, 1755-1850 MHz, 2110-2150 MHz, 2160-2165 MHz and 2500-2690 MHz. Numerous comments were filed in that proceeding.
The purpose of the adopted MO&O and FNPRM is: (1) to supplement the record by providing new allocation options that were not addressed in the NPRM; and (2) to seek comment on the benefits and costs of each new allocation option. For example, the Commission seeks to determine how these additional options might work in conjunction with those previously identified in the NPRM to facilitate the provision of new advanced wireless services. The FCC intends to explore spectrum options that would complement, rather than substitute for, alternatives identified in the NPRM.
Specifically, the Commission seeks comment on the following:- the potential for the commercial use of these additional spectrum bands for new advanced wireless services or for the relocation of other incumbent licensees or operators who could be displaced by the final allocation established in this proceeding.
- the advantages and disadvantages of these options, including the potential for use of new advanced wireless services in these bands.
- the potential effect of the allocation proposals on existing and prospective users of these bands and the services they provide.
- the effect that allocating these additional spectrum bands, or portions thereof, might have on global compatibility for advanced wireless services, to the extent not identified by the 2000 World Radiocommunication Conference.
In order to coordinate today’s action with various pending matters involving the 2GHz MSS bands, the item also addresses petitions for reconsideration filed in response to the FCC’s recent 2GHz MSS Service Rules Report and Order, and a petition for rulemaking concerning those bands.
In a related action today the Commission adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on proposals to bring flexibility to the delivery of communications by MSS.
Action by the Commission August 9, 2001, by Memorandum Opinion and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 01-224). Chairman Powell, Commissioners Abernathy, Copps and Martin, with Commissioner Tristani dissenting in part and issuing a statement.
FCC Contacts: John Spencer (Wireless Bureau) at (202) 418-1896 or e-mail at jspencer@fcc.gov Linda Haller (International Bureau) at (202) 418-1408 or e-mail at lhaller@fcc.gov
ET Docket No. 00-258
ET Docket No. 95-18
IB Docket No. 99-81