FCC Announces Order Modifying AT&T’s Lower 700 MHz B and C Black Licenses

On January 16, 2014 the FCC released an official order in the matter of promoting interoperability in the 700 MHz B and C block of AT&T’s licenses. Back in October, the FCC adopted the 700 MHz Interoperability Report and Order and Order of Proposed Modification to implement a voluntary industry solution that was designed to establish interoperable Long Term Evolution (LTE) service in the Lower 700 MHz band. The FCC believes it is in the public’s best interest to impose interoperability for AT&T’s B and C Block licenses. “We find that modifying AT&T’s licenses in this manner will serve the public interest by enabling consumers, especially in rural areas, to enjoy the benefits of greater competition and more choices, and by encouraging efficient use of spectrum, investment, job creation, and the development of innovative mobile broadband services and equipment.,” the FCC noted in its order of modification.” The FCC outline a number of conditions for AT&T to hold the Lower 700 MHz B and C Block licenses that can be found here.