3650-3700 MHz Radio Service

On March 10, 2005, the Commission adopted a Report and Order, FCC 05-56 (pdf), that revised the FCC's rules to open the 3650-3700 MHz band for terrestrial wireless broadband operations. In Memorandum Opinion and Order, FCC 07-99 (pdf), adopted on May 22, 2007, the Commission addressed petitions for reconsideration of the Report and Order by affirming the rules and policies adopted in 2005, with one rule modification and a clarification. These rules involve minimal regulatory burdens to encourage multiple entrants and to stimulate the rapid expansion of broadband services — especially in America's rural heartland — while at the same time ensuring that incumbent, grandfathered fixed satellite service (FSS) Earth stations and Federal radiolocation stations in this band are protected from harmful interference.

More about the 3650-3700 MHz Service...

The Commission will issue an unlimited number of non-exclusive nationwide licenses to non-Federal entities for the 50 megahertz of spectrum allocated for commercial use. These licenses will serve as a prerequisite for registering individual fixed and base stations. Mobile and portable stations, which are typically used by consumers, i.e., end users or subscribers, do not require a separate license and do not have to be registered in ULS.

The 3650-3700 MHz band contains three Federal grandfathered, radiolocation stations as well as non-Federal incumbent licensees in the fixed satellite service (FSS). There are four key steps involved in obtaining authority to operate a base or fixed station:

• Obtain a nationwide, non-exclusive license using ULS.
• Before registering a station, examine ULS for nearby stations.
• Obtain FCC-certified equipment (fixed, base and mobile equipment operating in the band must incorporate a "contention-based protocol").
• Register each fixed and base station using ULS.

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