[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 94 (Tuesday, May 17, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-11880]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: May 17, 1994]


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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

47 CFR Chapter I

[ET Docket No. 94-32; FCC 94-97]

 

Spectrum Below 5 GHz Transferred From Federal Government Use

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Notice of inquiry.

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SUMMARY: This Inquiry initiates a proceeding to determine the most 
appropriate use of 50 megahertz of spectrum that is being transferred 
from Federal Government use to private sector use. This action is 
necessary to comply with provisions of the Omnibus Budget 
Reconciliation Act of 1993 (Reconciliation Act) that require the 
Commission to allocate, and propose regulations to assign, this 
spectrum within 18 months of adoption of the Reconciliation Act. Our 
goal in this proceeding is to ensure that spectrum reallocated for 
private sector use will provide for the introduction of new services 
and the enhancement of existing services. These new and enhanced 
services will create new jobs, foster economic growth, and improve 
access to communications by industry and the American public.

DATES: Comments must be filed on or before June 15, 1994, and reply 
comments must be filed on or before June 30, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Federal Communications Commission, 1919 M St., NW., 
Washington, DC 20554.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Steve Sharkey, Office of Engineering and Technology, (202) 653-8151.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Commission's Notice 
of Inquiry, PR Docket No. 94-32, FCC 94-97, Adopted April 20, 1994, and 
released May 4, 1994. The full text of this Notice of Inquiry is 
available for inspection during normal business hours in the Records 
Room of the Federal Communications Commission, room 239, 1919 M St., 
NW. Washington, DC. The complete text may be purchased from the 
Commission's copy contractor, ITS, Inc., 2100 M St., NW., suite 140, 
Washington, DC, 20037, telephone (202) 857-3800.

Summary of Notice of Inquiry

    1. The purpose of this proceeding is to seek information on 
potential applications for 50 megahertz of spectrum that is being 
transferred immediately from Federal Government to private sector use 
as required by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993, Omnibus 
Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993, Public Law 103-66, Title VI, Section 
6001(a)(3), 107 Stat. 312 (approved August 10, 1993) (Reconciliation 
Act).
    2. The Reconciliation Act requires that the Secretary of Commerce 
issue a preliminary report within six months of the date of its 
enactment identifying 200 megahertz of spectrum below 5 gigahertz 
currently allocated for use by Federal Government agencies, for 
transfer to the FCC for use by the private sector. The Reconciliation 
Act further requires the Secretary of Commerce to identify 50 megahertz 
of the 200 megahertz of spectrum that can be made available for 
reallocation immediately upon issuance of the preliminary report. In 
compliance with these requirements, on February 10, 1994, the 
Department of Commerce released its report making a preliminary 
identification of spectrum for reallocation. Interested parties have 
until May 11, 1994, to file comments with the Secretary of Commerce 
regarding the spectrum identified.
    3. The spectrum identified for immediate reallocation by the 
Department of Commerce is the 50 megahertz at the bands 2390-2400 MHz, 
2402-2417 MHz and 4660-4685 MHz. The President must withdraw the 
assignment to a Federal Government station of any frequency recommended 
for immediate reallocation within 6 months of release of the 
preliminary report so that the spectrum is then available for exclusive 
non-Federal use. The Reconciliation Act requires that, by February 10, 
1995, the Commission allocate, and propose regulations to assign, the 
50 megahertz of spectrum that is immediately available. Accordingly, we 
seek comment as to the services to which this spectrum should be 
allocated and on specific rules for use of this spectrum to ensure that 
this spectrum is used to its maximum potential in permitting the 
continued growth and development of advanced communications, creating 
new high technology jobs, and providing economic growth.

    Federal Communications Commission.
William F. Caton,
Acting Secretary.
[FR Doc. 94-11880 Filed 5-16-94; 8:45 am]
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