Chairman Response Regarding 900MHz Band to Enable Broadband Report and Order

On May 12, 2020, Reps Randy Weber (R-TX), Brian Babin (R-TX), Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX), Henry Cuellar (D-TX), Roger Williams (R-TX), Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX), and Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) wrote to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai to express concerns about the FCC report and order "Transitioning the 900 MHz BAnd to Enable Broadband Deployment" and its potential impacts on the US' refining and petrochemical industries. The Reps listed different effects the draft order would have, including transferring key narrowband spectrum that is currently used by refinery workers for their radio lifelines. 

On July 21, Chairman Pai responded by saying the FCC approved the order, and that the agency took seriously the concerns of current narrowband users. "Consequently, the Report and Order struck a balance between the goals of expanding access to broadband wireless communications services and maintaining access to sufficient spectrum for existing narrowband services." The  FCC also announced a partial lifting of the 900 MHz band application freeze to permit existing licensees to file applications to relocate their narrowband operations as part of a transition plan.