NEWS
	Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20554	News media information 202 / 418-0500 Internet: http://www.fcc.gov TTY: 1-888-835-5322
	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 February 14, 2002 NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Meribeth McCarrick at (202) 418-0654
	FCC DESIGNATES 4.9 GHz BAND FOR USE IN SUPPORT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND PROPOSES LICENSING AND SERVICE RULES
	Washington, D.C. - The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) has adopted a Second Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking allocating 50 megahertz (MHz) of spectrum in the 4940-4990 MHz band (4.9 GHz band) for fixed and mobile wireless services and designating the band for use in support of public safety. The Commission also sought comment on various issues including licensing and services rules for the 4.9 GHz band. This FCC action aligns with new national priorities focusing on homeland security, and will ensure that entities involved in the protection of life and property possess the communications resources needed to successfully carry out their mission. This allocation and designation will provide public safety users with additional spectrum to support new broadband applications such as high-speed digital technologies and wireless local area networks for incident scene management. The spectrum also can support dispatch operations and vehicular or personal communications. This action completes the process of transferring this spectrum from Federal Government to non-Federal Government use pursuant to statutory requirements of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993. Specifics of the adopted Second Report and Order: allocates the 4.9 GHz band for fixed and mobile (excluding aeronautical mobile) use; designates the 4.9 GHz band for use in support of public safety; deletes Part 26 of the Commission Rules, since these rules refer to the 4660-4685 MHz band, a band over which the FCC no longer has jurisdiction. Specifics of the adopted Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making: The Further Notice portion of the item seeks comment on the following issues: the establishment of the 4.9 GHz band licensing and service rules; defining eligibility to use the band, including the scope of the public safety designation; specific band segmentation and channeling plans; the interference impact on the 4.9 GHz band operations from adjacent band U.S. Navy operations; utilization of the band in a manner that will not interfere with adjacent band radio astronomy operations; the implementation of technical standards for both fixed and mobile operations on the band; and innovative new licensing approaches to serve public safety. Action by the Commission February 14, 2002, by Second Report and Order and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 02-47). Chairman Powell, Commissioners Abernathy, Copps and Martin with Commissioner Abernathy issuing a separate statement. FCC Contacts: Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: Genevieve Augustin, 418-1305 (Wireless Telecommunications Bureau) Second Report and Order: Tom Derenge, 418-2451 (Office of Engineering and Technology) WT Docket No. 00-32