FCC Releases Data Collection Public Notice for 4.9 GHz Band

The Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau and the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau released a Public Notice requiring all incumbent public safety (PA) licensees on the 4.9 GHz band to disclose “granular licensing data” to remain operational on the band. The public notice outlines a three-step process in which licensees must first categorize and transfer their existing PA operations to new service codes PB or PF (base/mobile or fixed stations). Licensees are then required to submit information related to the respective codes, including but not limited to, coordinates, antenna specifications, and the number of units in operation. Finally, licensees must cancel their PA licenses or the licenses will be cancelled by the FCC after June 9, 2025. 

FCC Releases Proposed Order Modifying GeoLink’s LMDS licenses 

The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) released a proposed Order of Modification offering to substitute unassigned frequencies held by the Commission with frequencies currently held by GeoLink’s Local Multipoint Distribution Service (LMDS). The Commission noted this proposed modification, which will modify 32 of the 51 active LMDS licenses held by GeoLinks, will provide more contiguous spectrum, and ensure its customers receive improved access to high-speed broadband services. GeoLinks will also return the remaining 19 unchanged active LMDS licenses to the Commission, which can repurpose them for future assignments.

FCC Adopts 6 GHz Band Access for VLP Devices

During the Open Meeting held on December 11th, the FCC adopted rules permitting very low power (VLP) devices to operate in the U-NII-6 (6.425-6.525 GHz) and U-NNI-8 (6.875-7.125) portions of the 6 GHz band. The rules are targeted at opening spectrum for unlicensed devices, such as wearable technology and AR/VR headsets, which have a wide range of industry applications, and follows on the FCC’s past actions to support the growth of 6G and Wi-Fi 7 infrastructure. While VLP devices will mostly be unrestricted, the Report and Order specifies employing a contention-based protocol and power controls to reduce the risk of interference, especially when operating as part of outdoor infrastructure. 

FCC Adopts Order Modifying Letter of Credit Rules

The FCC adopted a Report and Order during their December Open Meeting which instituted changes to the letter of credit rules for broadband providers. Under the R&O, the Commission altered the qualification standard U.S. banks must meet to issue letters of credit to eligible telecommunications providers, increasing the number of qualifying banks in the process. Specifically, instead of relying on banks maintaining a Weiss bank safety rating of B- or better, the Commission will now only require a bank to be “well capitalized” based on definitions provided by the FDIC, Federal Reserve, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). Letters of credit serve an important purpose of providing carriers with necessary financial support while ensuring banks can recover disbursed funds in the event of a default.

Additional Authors: Thomas B. Magee, Tracy P. Marshall, Sean A. Stokes, and Wesley K. Wright