FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:				News Media Contact:
February 29, 2000						Meribeth McCarrick at (202) 418-0654
								e-mail: mmccarri@fcc.gov 

FCC Proposes Licensing and Service Rules for the 4.9 GHz Spectrum Band

 Washington, DC -- The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed licensing and service rules for the 4940-4990 MHz band ("4.9 GHz band"). This spectrum can support a wide variety of wireless applications including Internet services. 
 As noted in the FCC's November 18, 1999 Spectrum Reallocation Policy Statement, the 4.9 GHz band was recently transferred from the Federal Government use to private sector use as substitute spectrum for the 4635-4685 MHz band recently reclaimed for Federal Government use. The 4635-4685 MHz band had been transferred pursuant to the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993.  
 The Policy Statement outlined guiding principles for spectrum management activities for this and other recently reallocated spectrum.  The principles are designed to enhance competition and to encourage the development of emerging telecommunications technologies.
 Specifics of Today's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking:
 FCC proposed to allocate the 4.9 GHz band for fixed and mobile services, on a primary basis, and sought comment on the geographic area and spectrum blocks that should be used to license this spectrum.  The proposed action will benefit the public by permitting and encouraging the introduction of new services and the enhancement of existing services.  The FCC tentatively concluded that these new and enhanced uses will create new jobs, foster economic growth, and improve access to communications by industry and the American public.
 The FCC proposed to regulate the 4.9 GHz band under Part 27 of the Commission's Rules, except to the extent that the FCC proposes to modify those rules in this proceeding to reflect the particular characteristics of this spectrum and the services that will be permitted to operate in this band.  The FCC also proposed that initial licenses for the 4.9 GHz band be acquired through competitive bidding (or auctions) under Part 1 of the Commission's Rules.  
Action by the Commission on February 23, 2000 by Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 00-63). Chairman Kennard, Commissioners Ness, Furchtgott-Roth, Powell and Tristani.

Wireless Bureau Contact: (Policy Division) Eli Johnson at (202) 418-1310, e-mail: ejohnson@fcc.gov, TTY at (202) 418-7233.




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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).