FCC Removes Barriers to Free Up Spectrum

NEWS

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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 CONTACT:

October 17, 2012

Bruce Romano (202) 418-2124
Bruce.Romano@fcc.gov [5]

FCC REMOVES REGULATORY BARRIERS TO FREE UP

30 MHZ OF BROADBAND SPECTRUM
Washington, D.C. – The Federal Communications Commission today adopted revised rules to enable
Wireless Communications Service (WCS) licensees’ to use a total of 30 megahertz of underutilized
spectrum in the 2.3 GHz band for wireless broadband services, while protecting the adjacent Satellite
Digital Audio Radio Service (SDARS) operator Sirius XM Radio Inc. (Sirius XM) against harmful
interference. Today’s action continues the FCC’s efforts to remove the regulatory barriers that are limiting
the flexible use of spectrum for broadband services.
The revised rules are consistent with a compromise proposal between AT&T Inc. and Sirius XM designed
to facilitate the efficient deployment and coexistence of the WCS and SDARS.
Of the 30 megahertz of total spectrum, 20 megahertz may be used for mobile broadband services and
10 megahertz for fixed broadband services, with possible future use as downlink spectrum to serve mobile
broadband devices.
The revised rules also provide Sirius XM greater certainty and flexibility by adopting conditions for
identifying and resolving harmful interference to SDARS operations on roadways and by relaxing the
SDARS licensee notification requirements for low-power terrestrial repeaters and for minor modifications
to repeaters. WCS and SDARS licensees are encouraged to enter into coordination agreements with one
another for interference mitigation.
The Order also provides a limited extension of the WCS construction periods and restarts the WCS
construction periods to enable WCS licensees to respond to the rule revisions while ensuring significant
deployment of facilities in the near term. The Order also addresses a number of other technical issues raised
in various petitions for reconsideration that were not the specific focus of the AT&T and Sirius-XM joint
proposal.
Action by the Commission October 17, 2012, by Order on Reconsideration (FCC 12-130). Chairman
Genachowski, Commissioners McDowell, Clyburn, Rosenworcel, and Pai. Separate statements issued by
Chairman Genachowski, Commissioners McDowell, Clyburn, Rosenworcel, and Pai.
WT Docket No. 07-293 and IB Docket No. 95-91
For further information, contact Patrick Forster (202-418-7061; Patrick.Forster@fcc.gov [6]) or
Ronald Repasi (202-418-2470; Ronald.Repasi@fcc.gov [7]).
– FCC –
For more news and information about the FCC please visit: www.fcc.gov [4]

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