FCC to Examine 700 MHz Interoperability

The FCC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to promote interoperability and encourage the efficient use of spectrum in the commercial Lower 700 MHz band.


The FCC will examine the interference concerns should the Lower 700 MHz band utilize a single band class for devices
operating across the Lower 700 MHz A, B, and C Blocks.


"We have heard from providers in one of the bands – the A band – that the lack of interoperability
is making it difficult to obtain mobile broadband devices. That difficulty, they have said, is slowing
mobile broadband roll-outs and buildouts, and making it harder for those providers to compete. And so
this issue affects central FCC goals. To help facilitate solutions to the interoperability challenges, we have over the past months increased the agency’s engagement with 3GPP -- the principal mobile broadband standards setting body. To continue this work and to help drive toward a solution, today we initiate a proceeding on
interoperability," stated FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski.
http://www.fcc.gov