FCC: Wireless Services: 700 MHz Guard Bands: 700 MHz Guard Bands

700 MHz Guard Bands

Recent Commission action has significantly revised the frequency allocations and service rules for the 700 MHz band. We are in the process of updating the information on this site to reflect these changes. Please refer to the FCC Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making (pdf) and Second Report and Order (pdf) for information regarding the revisions to the 700 MHz band and service rules.

Also, information on Auction 73, the 700 MHz Band auction, scheduled to begin January 24, 2008, is available on the Auctions webpage.

The 700 MHz guard bands consist of a total of six megahertz of paired spectrum that was allocated to protect public safety operations in immediately adjacent bands from harmful interference while at the same time promoting the efficient use of this spectrum. These guard bands are licensed to a new class of licensee, Guard Band Manager, engaged in the business of leasing spectrum to third parties on a for-profit basis. Guard Band Managers must adhere to specific technical and operational measures designed to minimize interference to public safety licensees. Guard Band Managers can lease their spectrum to system operators or directly to end users. You can read more about 700 MHz guard bands, the licensing process, and current ways of obtaining spectrum.

Manager Reports

700 MHz Guard Band Managers are required to file annual reports with information about the manner in which their spectrum is being utilized. The first report was due October 1, 2002. Going forward, the annual reports are due on March 1 of each year and should describe the licensee's state of operation as of January 1 of that year. These reports must be filed electronically and are available to the public after Commission review and verification.

Service At A Glance
700 MHz Guard Bands
700 MHz guard band spectrum can be used for fixed and mobile services. Spectrum can be leased to commercial service providers or directly to end users. Licensees and their customers must adhere to strict technical and operational requirements in order to protect public safety licensees in the adjacent bands.
Established	2000
Service Rules	CFR, Part 27
Band Plan
Band(s)	746-747 MHz 762-764 MHz 776-777 MHz 792-794 MHz
Blocks	A, B
Block Size	2 or 4 MHz (paired spectrum)
Market Areas	MEAs
Licensing

System	ULS
ULS Radio Service Codes
WX - 700 MHz Bands
Auctions
#33: Upper 700 MHz Guard 9/6/2000 - 9/21/2000
#38: Upper 700 MHz Guard 2/13/2001 - 2/21/2001