WASHINGTON-The Federal Communications Commission last week largely affirmed auction-driven 800 MHz specialized mobile radio licensing rules, but made several modifications that drew applause from industry.
“Our primary issue was reducing channel blocks, and that’s good for small business,” said Jill Lyon, senior vice president for regulatory relations and deputy general counsel of the American Mobile Telecommunications Association.
In its original decision, the FCC called for the auction of the 150 General Category 800 MHz channels in three contiguous 50 channel blocks. On reconsideration, the agency decided to license the 150 General Category channels in six contiguous 25-channel blocks. The FCC also drew kudos from the Personal Communications Industry Association for refining rules governing the relocation of 800 MHz licenses from the upper 200 channels.
“The commission’s decision will make the relocation process more fair and will give everyone involved a clear picture of their rights and responsibilities,” said Mary McDermott, PCIA senior vice president and government relations chief of staff. McDermott added that PCIA is “delighted that the FCC decided to base operating contours on maximum [effective radiated power], clarified that redundant systems must be used to smooth the relocation process, and reduced the number of general category blocks to be auctioned.”
