FCC issues Public Notice modifying the suspension on acceptance of applications for 470-512 MHz spectrum (T-Band)


On April 4, 2022 the FCC issued Public Notice DA 22-357 announcing the modification of the suspension on the acceptance of applications from incumbent licensees and new applicants seeking to license on 470-512 MHz frequencies.

Frequencies in the 470-512 MHz spectrum, often referred to as the T-Band, are available for use by public safety licensees under Part 90, Subpart L of the Commission rules and is restricted to certain urban areas of the United States, and only on certain segments of spectrum in those areas. In Northern California use is restricted to base stations within 80 km of a point in San Francisco (approximately 8th Street and Mission), and only frequencies within the segment 482-494 MHz.

The Public Notice states that beginning on April 2, 2022, the FCC will accept:

  • Applications for modification of license characterized as minor under sections 1.929 and 1.947(b) of the Commission’s rules.
  • Applications characterized as major under Part 22 of the Commission’s rules from new applicants or incumbent licensees.
  • Applications governed by Part 90 of the Commission’s rules from new applicants or incumbents, but only if such applications:
    • Propose operation with 12.5 kHz bandwidth (11.25 kHz occupied bandwidth) or narrower channels; or
    • Employ a technology that achieves the narrowband equivalent of at least one channel per 12.5 kHz of channel bandwidth for voice, and transmission rates of at least 4800 bits per second per 6.25 kHz for data systems operating with bandwidths greater than 12.5 kHz (narrowband-equivalent technology)

The full Public Notice can be found here: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-22-357A1.pdf or by searching for FCC 22-357.