FCC Updates 700 MHz Plan & Proposes Changes

Almost 15 years after assigning 700 MHz spectrum to public safety operation, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has now issued its seventh set of regulations for the band, and has requested comments on making even more changes. The latest Report and Order, and a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking documents how the original 24 MHz of spectrum has followed a twisting path of regulation forced by improvements in technology and how communications are used by public safety agencies. The rule changes generally provide more flexibility in using the 700 MHz band because of advancements in radio equipment. The FCC is also asking for comment on proposed rules for moving from 12.5 kHz to 6.25 kHz radio channels, use of certain frequencies for air operations and several technical issues. The FCC originally licensed 24 MHz within the UHF-TV band for public safety, allocating sections for narrowband and broadband operations. Several years later the FCC designated another 10 MHz allocation for broadband, and then consolidated the original 24 MHz band for narrowband. More recently, last year’s Middle Class Tax Relief and ob Creation Act required consolidation of the 24 MHz and 10 MHz bands and allow more flexible use of the frequencies. Now the FCC is taking action on those Congressional requirements. Download (pdf) the full R&O and NPR here.