FCC Proposes to Modify Rules for Unlicensed Use of TV & 600 MHz Bands

The Federal Communications Commission proposed to modify its Part 15 rules to accommodate growing demand and encourage innovation in the provision of wireless broadband data services.

The Commission’s Part 15 rules permit devices to operate on unused “white space” spectrum between TV stations. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking fulfills the Commission’s commitment in the Incentive Auction Report and Order to consider changes to its existing Part 15 rules to facilitate unlicensed use of the television bands, 600 MHz Band guard bands and channel 37. Following the incentive auction, with the repacking of the television band and the repurposing of current television spectrum for wireless services, there will be fewer frequencies in the UHF band available for use by unlicensed fixed and personal/portable white space devices and wireless microphones. The proposed changes to Part 15 rules are designed to allow for more robust service and efficient spectral use in the frequency bands that are now and will continue to be allocated and assigned to broadcast television services, while continuing to protect authorized users from harmful interference.