FCC sets date for commercial wireless 700MHz auction
The FCC announced today that the auction of spectrum in the 747MHz–762MHz and 777MHz–792MHz band has been scheduled for June 19, 2002. These frequency bands include UHF TV channels 60–62 and 65–67, as shown in the 700MHz band plan.
A total of 12 licenses will be awarded. One license for a 20MHz-wide segment consisting of paired 10MHz blocks and one license for a 10MHz-wide segment consisting of paired 5MHz blocks will be offered in six regions to be known as 700MHz band economic area groupings (700MHz Band EAGs). The location of the licenses is shown in the 700MHz Band EAG Auction 31 Map.
By Congressional direction, the FCC has reallocated from UHF TV broadcasting a band of frequencies amounting to 36MHz for commercial use including fixed, mobile and broadcasting services. Of the 36MHz, 6MHz has been identified as “guard bands” to protect public safety users from interference. That spectrum has been licensed in a separate proceeding.
The spectrum set for auction next June offers potential to deploy new methods of providing high-speed internet access and is suitable for new fixed wireless in underserved areas, as well as next-generation, high-speed mobile services.
In light of continued use of this spectrum by broadcasters until Dec. 31, 2006 or later, licenses will be issued for a total of approximately 14 years. The expiration date will be extended eight years beyond the date which incumbent broadcasters are required to have relocated to other portions of the spectrum, that is, until Jan. 1, 2015.
However, if a licensee commences new broadcast-type operations on or before Jan. 1, 2006, the licensee will be required to seek renewal of its license at the end of the eight-year term following commencement of such broadcast operations. All licensees meeting the “substantial service requirement” defined by the FCC Wireless Telecommunications Bureau will be deemed to have met renewal expectancy regardless of which construction options the licensee has chosen.
Buyer beware
The FCC issued the following warning: “The spectrum is presently encumbered by approximately 100 existing television stations, and it may remain so, to some extent, until Dec. 31, 2006 or later. No part of the country is totally unencumbered in this band, and in some metropolitan areas, very little of this band is presently available. New geographic area licensees operating on this spectrum must comply with the co-channel and adjacent channel protection provisions of Section 90.545 of the Commission’s Rules.”
