FCC Looking to Put Paging Spectrum to Better Use

[Commentary] The Federal Communications Commission’s Wireless Bureau issued a curious public notice reminding licensees in the Paging and Radiotelephone Services of various rules in Part 22 that they’re supposed to be complying with. Following the reminder, the notice veered sharply, creating a new docket that could open the door for increased use of channels historically allotted for use by paging and radiotelephone services.

The Bureau is requesting comments on how to promote “more intensive” use of this Part 22 spectrum by its licensees. In particular, the Bureau hopes that, by increasing “technical or operational flexibility”, it might encourage Part 22 licensees to deploy “innovative technologies” and/or narrowband equipment, or use offset frequencies if they hold adjacent channel blocks.