Public Safety And Homeland Security Bureau Provides Guidance To 700 MHz Narrowband State Licensees Regarding Interim Substantial Service Benchmark Showing Due On June 13, 2014

The Federal Communications Commission's Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau provides guidance to licensees of state channels in the 700 MHz narrowband spectrum (769-775/799-805 MHz), regarding their upcoming interim substantial service benchmark showing.

These licensees must demonstrate by June 13, 2014 that they are providing or prepared to provide “substantial service” to one- third of their population or territory. The Commission has designated ninety-six channel pairs (12.5 kHz bandwidth) in the 700 MHz narrowband spectrum for use by states, the District of Columbia, and US territories (State Licensees). Each State Licensee receives a geographic area license (State License) covering the geopolitical boundaries of its jurisdiction.

The Commission established a five-year interim benchmark and a ten-year final benchmark for State Licensees to establish specified levels of substantial service within their statewide license areas. The due date for the five-year interim benchmark showing is June 13, 2014. By this date, State Licensees must certify that they are providing or are prepared to provide “substantial service” to one- third of their population or territory.

“Substantial service” is defined as the construction and operation of facilities on state channels which is “sound, favorable, and substantially above a level of mediocre service which just might minimally warrant renewal.” A State Licensee is deemed “prepared” to provide substantial service if it certifies that a radio system has been approved and funded by the deadline date.