FCC Defines 700 MHz Rules

Yahoo News! reports: “WASHINGTON – The FCC approved rules Tuesday intended to give people greater choice when it comes to their cell phones and wireless devices following completion of a pivotal airwaves auction next year.”

“The vote clears the way for the auction, which by law must take place no later than Jan. 28, 2008. It is expected to raise as much as $15 billion.”

“The Federal Communications Commission approved a much-debated “open access” provision, pushed by Chairman Kevin Martin, a Republican, and supported by the agency’s two Democrats. It will allow customers to use whatever phone and software they want on about one-third of the spectrum to be auctioned.”

“The rules also will allow for the creation of a shared public safety network that commissioners hope will solve many of the communication problems that firefighters and other first responders have experienced during disasters like the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.”

“A total of 62 megahertz will be auctioned under the plan. Twenty-two megahertz will be subjected to the “open access” rules being pushed by Martin. Another 10 megahertz will be dedicated to the national public safety network, which will be shared between a commercial operator and public safety agencies.”