NEWSReport No. WT-97-8        WIRELESS TELECOM ACTION     February 20, 1997
   
                                       COMMISSION PROPOSES NEW LICENSING APPROACH AND,
    PUBLIC SAFETY SET ASIDE FOR SPECTRUM ALLOCATED FOR
   MULTIPLE ADDRESS SYSTEMS
   (PR DOCKET 93-253)
   
        The Commission has adopted a Notice of Propose Rule Making (Notice)
   examining ways to maximize use of spectrum allocated to Multiple Address Systems
   (MAS).  Historically, MAS licensees have provided alarm, control, interrogation,
   and status reporting communications to entities in the power, petroleum, security,
   and paging industries.  The Commission stated that it believes that growth of these
   900 MHz band wireless services could be achieved with policies that permit more
   flexible use of the spectrum, modify licensing procedures to expedite market entry,
   and encourage technological innovation.  Notably, the Commission proposed to
   adopt a geographic licensing approach for a portion of MAS spectrum (932/941
   MHz and 928/959 MHz MAS bands), a departure from the current site-by-site
   licensing scheme.  In addition, the Commission proposed to streamline and simplify
   the MAS licensing rules and procedures and use competitive bidding procedures to
   resolve mutually exclusive MAS applications in these bands.   
        
        As part of its new MAS licensing approach, the Commission proposed to
   designate the 928/952/956 MHz MAS bands exclusively for private use and sought
   comment on whether these bands should continue to be licensed on a site-by-site
   basis or geographically.  Additionally, the Commission proposed to set aside five
   MAS channel pairs for Federal Government and Public Safety use in order to meet
   the growing need for narrowband and paging communications in these sectors.
   
        The Commission also proposed to introduce additional flexibility for MAS
   licensees concerning the provision of mobile and fixed services, as well as
   expanding the types of emissions permitted under the rules.  The Commission stated
   that the streamlined licensing procedures and additional flexibility proposed in the
   Notice would provide for the development of competitive new service offerings,
   promote technological innovation, expedite market entry, and eliminate unnecessary
   regulatory burdens for MAS licensees.
   
   
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        In order to fully consider the fundamental regulatory changes proposed in the
   Notice, effective today, the Commission has temporarily suspended the acceptance of
   additional MAS applications for new licenses, major amendments, and major
   modifications pending the resolution of the issues in this proceeding.  The
   Commission stated that it would, however, continue to process applications for
   assignment, transfer or control, or minor modifications of existing MAS licenses. 
   This temporary suspension does not apply to MAS applications for private
   operations in the 928/952/956 MHz bands.
        
        Action by the Commission, February 19, 1997, by Notice of Proposed
   Rulemaking (FCC 97-58). Chairman Hundt, Commissioners Quello, Ness and
   Chong.
                                 -  FCC  -
   
   News Media Contact: Kara Palamaras or Audrey Spivack at (202)418-0654
   Wireless Bureau Contact:  Herb Zeiler at (202)418-0680