FCC opens door on solution to wireless woes

The Federal Communications Coommission (FCC) adopted a Notice of Proposed Rule Making on Aug. 3 seeking comment on possible changes to the rules covering wireless licenses in the 698-746MHz, 747-762MHz and 777MHz-792MHz spectrum bands. The bands do not include the 700MHz guard bands nor portions of the 700MHz band allocated for public safety services.

In the notice, the FCC is seeking comment on the possibility of modifying the size of the geographic service areas and spectrum blocks and on revising the performance requirements for the portions of the 700MHz band not yet auctioned. The FCC also wants comments on issues, such as license renewal, license terms and power limits, related to auctioned and unauctioned spectrum in the 698MHz-746MHz, 747MHz-762MHz and 777MHz-792MHz bands.

The Notice could give sports industry professionals and broadcasters who rely on wireless audio transmission an opportunity to suggest spectrum is set aside for professional wireless needs. Changes resulting from the DTV Act affecting the 700MHz band and the four intervening years since the FCC established band plans and service rules for the spectrum prompted the commission to revisit the issue.