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NEWS
Federal Communications Commission

News Media Information 202 / 418-0500

445 12th Street, S.W.

Internet: http://www.fcc.gov

Washington, D. C. 20554

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:
NEWS MEDIA CONTACTS:
March 21, 2012
Paul Murray, 202-418-0688
Paul.Murray@fcc.gov

FCC INITIATES RULEMAKING TO PROMOTE INTEROPERABILITY

IN THE LOWER 700 MHz BAND

Washington, D.C. – The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today issued a Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to promote interoperability and encourage the efficient use of spectrum in
the commercial Lower 700 MHz band (698-746 MHz). The rulemaking is designed primarily to examine
the interference concerns should the Lower 700 MHz band utilize a single band class for devices
operating across the Lower 700 MHz A, B, and C Blocks.
In the NPRM, the FCC seeks comment on a range of technical and operational factors regarding
the use of a unified band class on customers of Lower 700 MHz B and C Block licensees. The NPRM
focuses on two interference concerns that can result with use of a single band class: (1) reverse
intermodulation interference from adjacent DTV Channel 51 operations; and (2) blocking interference
from neighboring high-powered operations in the Lower 700 MHz E Block. To properly evaluate the
interference concerns, the FCC requests comment on measurements and quantitative analyses regarding
the magnitude and extent of the interference risk from adjacent Channel 51 and Lower 700 MHz E Block
transmissions, the availability of effective interference mitigation measures, relative performance of
devices using a single band class, and costs of implementing interoperability.
The NPRM also explores possible next steps that the FCC should take to promote interoperability
in the Lower 700 MHz band should it find that there is limited or no harmful interference or such
interference can be reasonably mitigated through industry and/or regulatory measures. The FCC
considers various options to help achieve the ultimate goal of interoperability.
Action by the Commission March 21, 2012, by Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 12-31).
Chairman Genachowski, Commissioners McDowell and Clyburn. Separate statements issued by
Chairman Genachowski, Commissioners McDowell and Clyburn.
WT Docket No. 12-69
For further information, contact Brenda Boykin (202-418-2062; Brenda.Boykin@fcc.gov).
-FCC-
News and information about the Federal Communications Commission is available at www.fcc.gov.

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