FCC Approves Early Leases in 700 MHz Band

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved long-term spectrum leases on 700 MHz frequencies from 20 jurisdictions around the country who had asked for permission to begin using the public safety broadband allocation early. In May the FCC approved waivers submitted by the jurisdictions, including cities, states and communications districts. The allocation is termed the “lower” public safety band, 763-768 MHz and 793-798 MHz, and is assigned to public safety broadband operations. However, its assignment has been held up while the FCC wrestles with how to assign the adjacent D-block of spectrum—by auction to the highest bidder or direct assignment. The finalized leases include provisions for the lesee maintain interoperability with other regional public safety agency under the same waivers, “and with any future nationwide or regional public safety broadband networks.” The leases have a term of two years. Download the individual leases from the FCC’s licensing database,(search of callsignWQHW226, then click the “Admin” tab), or download (pdf) the entire collection of leases here.