FCC Proposes 40 MHz of Additional Spectrum for Mobile Broadband
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).
NEWS MEDIA CONTACTS:
March 21, 2012
Melissa Glidden Tye, 202-418-1993
Melissa.Tye@fcc.gov
FCC PROPOSES 40 MHZ OF ADDITIONAL SPECTRUM FOR MOBILE BROADBAND
Issues Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Notice of Inquiry to Remove Unnecessary Barriers and MeetRapidly Growing Demands for Mobile Broadband
Washington, D.C.—The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) took steps today to
increase the nation’s supply of spectrum for mobile broadband by removing unnecessary barriers to
flexible use of 40 megahertz of additional spectrum currently assigned to the Mobile Satellite Service
(MSS) in the 2 GHz band. This proposal would carry out a recommendation in the National Broadband
Plan that the Commission enable the provision of stand-alone terrestrial services in this spectrum.
The proposed rules are designed to provide for flexible use of this spectrum, to encourage
innovation and investment in mobile broadband, and to provide a stable regulatory environment in which
broadband deployment can develop in the 2 GHz band. The notice directly follows on last year’s 2 GHz
Band Co-Allocation Order, in which the Commission laid the predicate for full terrestrial use of this
band.
In the Notice of Inquiry, the Commission seeks comment on potential ways to free up additional
valuable spectrum to address the increased demand for mobile broadband spectrum.
Action by the Commission March 21, 2012, by Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Notice of
Inquiry (FCC 12-32). Chairman Genachowski, Commissioners McDowell and Clyburn. Separate
statements issued by Chairman Genachowski, Commissioners McDowell and Clyburn.
WT Docket No. 12-70
For further information, contact Jeremy Marcus (202-418-0059; Jeremy.Marcus@fcc.gov).
-FCC-
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