Timothy Doughty

FCC Proposes Increased Broadband Availability in the 900 MHz Band

On January 16, 2025, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) closed out Jessica Rosenworcel’s term as Chairwoman by releasing a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) seeking to expand the use of the 896-901/935-940 MHz band for broadband use. The NPRM builds on the FCC's 2019 rulemaking, which created a 3/3 MHz broadband allocation at 897.5-900.5/936.5-939.5 MHz and established a process for clearing narrowband incumbents from the band. Of note, the FCC asks whether to lift or modify the ongoing narrowband licensing freeze for the 900 MHz band.