Lower 700 MHz A Block licensees gain more time to build networks

Ongoing debate over interoperability issues in the Lower 700 MHz band has bought certain licensees more time to construct their networks.

The Federal Communications Commission's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau announced it is extending the interim construction deadline by six months--until Dec. 13, 2013--for all active Lower 700 MHz band A Block licensees that have an interim four-year construction benchmark deadline falling prior to the revised deadline. Prior to the deadline extension, the commission required A Block licensees with spectrum in the 698-704 MHz and 728-734 MHz bands to provide signal coverage and offer service over at least 35 percent of the geographic area of their license no later than June 13, 2013, or within four years of their initial license grant if the initial authorization was granted after June 13, 2009. Some Lower 700 MHz band licensees requested an extension of this Interim Construction Benchmark Deadline, contending interoperability issues in the band are impeding their progress by reducing the availability of a wide range of advanced end-user devices.