PUBLIC NOTICE
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
1919 M STREET, N.W.
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554                                         DA 97-2664  

News media information 202/418-0500     Fax-On-Demand  202/418-2830     Internet:  http://www.fcc.gov    ftp.fcc.gov


                                               Released:  December 19, 1997

                                      
        PRIMARY ONE-WAY PAGING OPERATIONS NO LONGER AUTHORIZED ON
453.025/.075/.125/.175 MHz AFTER JANUARY 14, 1998 UNLESS WAIVER REQUESTS
                 HAVE BEEN FILED ON OR BEFORE THAT DATE

On January 14, 1993, the Commission established the Emergency Medical Radio Service (EMRS) as a
new Public Safety Radio Service under Part 90 of the Commission's Rules, 47 C.F.R. Part 90.  See
Report and Order, 8 FCC Rcd 1454 (1993).  In addition, the Commission adopted sunset provisions
ultimately terminating primary paging operations on 453.025 MHz, 453.075 MHz, 453.125 MHz, and
453.175 MHz.  These provisions, currently codified at 47 C.F.R.  90.20 (d)(60), do not permit paging
licensees to continue to operate on a primary basis on these frequencies after January 14, 1998.   

The Report and Order established a waiver process for grandfathering existing one-way medical paging
operations on these frequencies.  Under this process, a one-way paging system may be grandfathered on
a permanent basis if the licensee demonstrates that:  (1) there is adequate spectrum for EMRS
transmissions (i.e., communications regarding ongoing provision of basic or advanced life support
services) in its area of operation, or (2) relocation of its medical paging system would not serve the public
interest because, for example, there is no reasonable alternative channel for its paging system, or (3)
relocation would cause significant disruption of public safety communications.  Licensees have been
provided a five-year period -- from January 14, 1993 through January 14, 1998 -- within which to request
that their systems be grandfathered.  Entities filing waivers with the Commission on or before January
14, 1998, may continue to operate their one-way paging systems on a primary basis during the pendency
of their requests.  Otherwise, licensees operating on the subject frequencies are required to cease
operations after January 14, 1998.  

For further information, contact Freda Lippert Thyden of the Public Safety and Private Wireless Division
at (202) 418-0627 or via E-Mail to fthyden@fcc.gov.

By the Chief, Public Safety and Private Wireless Division, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau