FR 2021-03425

In a recent notice published by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), significant developments have been made regarding the spectrum frequently referred to as the T-Band, which covers the 470-512 MHz frequency range. The FCC has decided to close the PS Docket No. 13-42, which previously addressed reallocating and potentially auctioning off this spectrum. This decision follows the enactment of the "Don't Break Up the T-Band Act," part of the larger Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. This act repeals the earlier mandate that required the FCC to auction these frequencies, thus eliminating the need to pursue previous plans for the T-Band.

General Summary

The document outlines the termination of an ongoing proceeding that had aimed to reallocate certain frequency bands. The frequency in question, known as the T-Band, was initially intended for auction to satisfy a legislative requirement. However, the new legislation, the "Don't Break Up the T-Band Act," effectively nullifies this mandate, leading the FCC to halt their initial course of action as detailed in the notice.

Significant Issues or Concerns

A few notable issues arise from the content of the document:

• Technical Language: The document employs technical jargon related to telecommunications policy that may not be easily understandable to those without specialized knowledge in the field. Terms like "T-Band Act" and "T-Band Mandate" are not fully explained within the text, which could lead to confusion among readers unfamiliar with prior context or legislation.

• Legislative References: It presumes familiarity with specific legislative acts, particularly the "Don't Break Up the T-Band Act" and the "Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012," without providing background information on these laws.

• COVID-19 Measures: The document mentions temporary procedures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, pointing to potential outdatedness. This could require periodic review to ensure the measures align with current health guidelines.

Impact on the Public Broadly

For the general public, the immediate impact of this decision might not be directly felt but holds significance in maintaining communications infrastructure intended for public safety. The original plan to auction the spectrum could have resulted in a shift of usage that impacts services relied upon by emergency services, thus affecting public safety indirectly.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

The notice primarily affects stakeholders involved in public safety communications and telecommunications operations:

• Public Safety Organizations: Agencies like police, fire departments, and emergency medical services stand to benefit positively from this decision. They typically rely on the T-Band for critical communications infrastructure, and the termination of its auction ensures continued access to these frequencies.

• Telecommunication Enterprises: Companies that might have been prospective bidders in the auction process might view this decision negatively due to the missed opportunity for acquiring additional spectrum.

Overall, while this notice terminates a significant regulatory proceeding, it underscores the importance of telecommunications policy in supporting public safety initiatives. It reflects a legislative shift that prioritizes the operational needs of emergency services over the commercial reallocation of valuable frequency bands.