The FCC issued a news release last week saying it had formally notified the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) that it intends to auction licenses for Advanced Wireless Services in the 1710-1755 MHz and 2110-2155 MHz bands as early as June 2006. The Commercial Spectrum Enhancement Act requires the FCC notify NTIA at least 18 months before the beginning of an auction of spectrum transferred from the federal government to commercial use. NTIA is required to provide estimated costs and time lines for relocation of federal entities from the band at least six months prior to the auction.
One of the current federal uses of the 1.7 GHz spectrum is for Department of Defense uplinks, which will be relocated to the 2 GHz BAS band. SBE asserts that unless additional uplink antenna shielding is added, moving the uplinks to this band would interference with ENG operations at site near the uplinks.
FCC Chairman Powell said, "The spectrum relocation fund mechanism that Congress has established will result in successful auctions, smooth relocation of important government operations and, most important, competitive high quality communications services being provided to American consumers. For all of us who believe in the future of wireless broadband, it is truly a banner day."
Chairman Powell added that the FCC intends to auction spectrum at 1432-1435 MHz in July or August 2006.
