FCC Report and Order: Broadband Expansion in the 896-901/935-940 MHz Band
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued a Report and Order expanding broadband access across the full ten megahertz of the 896-901/935-940 MHz spectrum band. This action represents a significant reallocation of radio spectrum to support modern broadband services, building on prior efforts to modernize this band. The order establishes three distinct licensing options for 900 MHz spectrum: (1) narrowband licenses for traditional narrowband use cases; (2) paired 3/3 MHz broadband licenses offering three megahertz in each direction; and (3) paired 5/5 MHz broadband licenses offering five megahertz in each direction for higher-capacity applications. By making broadband available across the entire 10 MHz of the band, the FCC aims to increase spectrum efficiency and enable new wireless broadband deployments, particularly benefiting utilities, public safety entities, and private enterprise users who have historically relied on this spectrum for critical communications.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- Broadband services are now authorized across the full 10 MHz of the 896-901/935-940 MHz band (previously limited)
- New narrowband license option created for incumbent narrowband operators in the 900 MHz band
- New paired 3/3 MHz broadband license option introduced (3 MHz uplink + 3 MHz downlink)
+ 3 more changes with Pro
Obligations
What this law requires
Operators must select and apply for one of three licensing options for 900 MHz spectrum: narrowband licenses, paired 3/3 MHz broadband licenses, or paired 5/5 MHz broadband licenses
Broadband service providers must ensure compliance with the frequency allocations established for their selected license type (3/3 MHz paired channels or 5/5 MHz paired channels)
Narrowband license holders must limit operations to narrowband use cases only