********************** ********************** ************ NOTICE ********************** ********************** ************ This document was converted from WordPerfect or Word to ASCII Text format. Content from the original version of the document such as headers, footers, footnotes, endnotes, graphics, and page numbers will not show up in this text version. All text attributes such as bold, italic, underlining, etc. from the original document will not show up in this text version. Features of the original document layout such as columns, tables, line and letter spacing, pagination, and margins will not be preserved in the text version. If you need the complete document, download the WordPerfect version or Adobe Acrobat version, if available. ********************** ********************** ********************* PUBLIC NOTICE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 445 TWELFTH STREET, S.W. WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554 DA 00-109 News media information 202/418-0500 Fax-On-Demand 202/418-2830 Internet: http://www.fcc.gov ftp.fcc.gov Released: January 21, 2000 U.S. AND CANADA REACH AGREEMENT REGARDING USE OF THE 220 - 222 MHz BAND ALONG THE U.S./CANADA BORDER Non-Nationwide Phase I 220 MHz Licensees Near Border Must Construct and Place into Operation Base Stations by January 21, 2001 The Federal Communications Commission, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and Industry Canada have signed an interim sharing Arrangement regarding use of the 220-222 MHz band along the U.S.-Canada border. The Arrangement will resolve long-standing uncertainty regarding use of this band in the border area. In addition, by significantly reducing the amount of cross-border coordination required, the Arrangement will allow quick implementation of new services expected to be offered in the band. U.S. licensees along the border whose construction deadlines had previously been delayed pending completion of a U.S.-Canada agreement will now be required to complete construction and commence operation by January 21, 2001. The Arrangement governs operations in the 220-222 MHz band within 120 kilometers of the U.S.- Canada border. The Arrangement identifies 200 channel pairs within this band and allots each channel pair for primary use by the United States or Canada, or for shared use. Frequencies allotted for primary use by one country may also be used on a secondary basis by the other country provided certain conditions are met. The Arrangement also provides antenna height and power restrictions, and there are special sharing arrangements for certain geographic areas and for low power stations. In addition, the Arrangement provides that, to the extent possible, certain specified channels will be available for implementation of Intelligent Transportation Systems/Intelligent Vehicle Highway System and Public Safety and Mutual Aid services. Beyond 120 kilometers from the border, both countries have full and unrestricted use of all channels in the band. In commenting on the Arrangement, International Bureau Chief Donald Abelson stated, "This Arrangement builds on the strong cooperative relationship between the U.S. and Canada and encourages prompt provision of new services to the citizens on both sides of the border while protecting licensees and consumers from cross-border interference." This Arrangement was reached as part of an on-going Commission effort to negotiate sharing agreements with Canada and Mexico that will promote efficient spectrum use in border areas. In 1995, the Commission extended the construction deadline for non-nationwide Phase I 220 MHz licenses that were located north of Line A, near the Canadian border, due to the uncertainties surrounding the future of these licenses prior to reaching an agreement with Canada. The construction period was extended until twelve months after an agreement was reached between the United States and Canada on sharing the 220-222 MHz band. Now that the Arrangement has been realized, any non-nationwide Phase I 220 MHz licensee with a base station authorized at a location north of Line A must construct its base station and place it into operation, or commence service, on all authorized channels by January 21, 2001. The authorization of a licensee that does not construct its base station and place it into operation, or commence service, by January 21, 2001, cancels automatically on that date and must be returned to the Commission. The full text of the Arrangement has been placed on file at the International Bureau Reference Room CY-A257, located on the Courtyard level of 445 12th St. S.W., Washington, D.C. Copies are also available from the International Transcription Service at (202) 857-3800 and can be downloaded from the FCC's International Bureau internet site at http://www.fcc.gov/ib/pnd/agree. - FCC - International Bureau contact: Henry Straube at (202) 418-2144. Wireless Telecommunications Bureau contact: Ron Netro at (202) 418-0608.