The Land Mobile Communications Council (LMCC) has proposed the FCC relax the application freeze on license modifications in the T-Band (470-512 MHz) for existing licensees. The Commission imposed the freeze in 2012 to stabilize the band prior to the auction of this spectrum, that was mandated by Congress in 2012. However, according to the LMCC, the result has been that for six years, incumbents in the band have been prohibited from initiating crucial system modifications except through rule waivers.
Specifically, the LMCC proposes that existing licensees within the 80-kilometer/50-mile radius of the defined T-Band market be able to:
- Relocate or add sites on already licensed frequencies, provided that current and proposed sites are within the 80-kilometer/50-mile radius of the defined T-Band market, even if the new or additional locations expand the existing contour of the frequency in question.
- Exchange frequencies on a 1-to-1 ratio without being limited to existing contours.
- Add frequencies through assignment or the coordination process without being limited to existing contours.
While the LMCC appreciates that the Commission is bound by Congressional directive, it does not view that obligation to be in conflict with allowing T-Band licensees to conduct their operations. That would include normal license modifications, until a reasonable time before the auction, at which time the spectrum landscape appropriately must be frozen.
“Incumbent licensees within the T-Band market area have been prohibited from making even the most modest adjustments to their licenses for six years, unless through a costly and uncertain waiver process,” stated LMCC President David Smith. “The LMCC calls upon the Commission to modify the freeze on license modification to allow these licensees an opportunity to effectuate business growth by having the ability to increase or better their coverage and capacity requirements.”
May 3, 2018
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