The Federal Communications Commission yesterday announced details of how new spectrum it plans to license -- in the 1710-1755 MHz and 2110-2155 MHz spectrum bands -- can be used by new and existing wireless operators to offer new services including voice, data, and broadband services on high-speed fixed and mobile networks.
The rules adopted yesterday include provisions for application procedures, licensing, technical operations, and competitive bidding. This spectrum will be licensed by geographic areas under the FCC’s Part 27 rules; the band plan for this spectrum includes a mixture of license sizes and geographic areas.
The licenses for these bands will have an initial 15-year term with 10-year renewal terms. Licensees will be required to show that they have provided substantial service by the end of the license term; however, no interim construction requirements have been imposed. Licensees will be able to aggregate spectrum in these bands and will be able to partition and disaggregate their licenses. The licenses will be assigned via auction in the future. Fifteen percent bidding credits will apply for entities meeting the definition of small business used in the broadband PCS auctions, while 25 percent bidding credits will apply for very small businesses.
