Wednesday, October 17, 2012

FCC Frees Up 30 MHz of Spectrum in 2.3 GHz Band

In its effort to remove regulatory barriers, the FCC adopted rules to enable Wireless Communications Service (WCS) licensees’ to use a total of 30 megahertz of underutilized spectrum in the 2.3 GHz band for wireless broadband services. 

Of the 30 megahertz of total spectrum, 20 megahertz may be used for mobile broadband services and 10 megahertz for fixed broadband services, with possible future use as downlink spectrum to serve mobile 
broadband devices. 

The FCC said the new rules, which are consistent with a compromise proposal between AT&T Inc. and Sirius XM, will protect the adjacent Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service (SDARS) operator Sirius XM Radio Inc. (Sirius XM) against harmful interference.