[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 182 (Monday, September 21, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 50238-50239]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-25165]


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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

[Report No. IN 98-48; DA 98-1703]


International Mobile Telecommunications--2000 (IMT-2000)

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Notice; seeking comment.

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SUMMARY: Commission staff seeks comment on spectrum issues related to 
third generation wireless telecommunications systems.

DATES: Comments are due on or before September 30, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Parties should file an original and one copy of comments 
with Richard B. Engelman, Chief, Planning & Negotiations Division, 
International Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 2000 M St., 
N.W., Suite 800, Washington, D.C. 20554. Comments will be available for 
public inspection during regular business hours in the International 
Reference Center, 2000 M St., N.W., Room 102, Washington, D.C. 20554.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Maureen C. McLaughlin, International 
Bureau at (202) 418-2404.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This public notice was released August 26, 
1998 and is available in its entirety for inspection and copying during 
normal business hours in the FCC International Reference Center, 2000 M 
St., N.W., Room 102, Washington, D.C. 20554 and may also be purchased 
from the

[[Page 50239]]

Commission's copy contractor, International Transcription Services, 
(202) 857-3800, fax (202) 857-3805, 1231 20th Street, N.W., Washington, 
D.C. 20036.

Synopsis of the Public Notice

    The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is in the process 
of identifying the long-term spectrum requirements for future ``third 
generation'' mobile wireless telecommunications systems, referred to as 
International Mobile Telecommunications--2000 (IMT-2000). In 1992, the 
ITU identified 230 megahertz of spectrum near 2 GHz that could be used 
by administrations wishing to implement IMT-2000 systems. Based on 
concerns that 230 megahertz might be insufficient in the long term, the 
ITU is now considering whether additional spectrum should be identified 
for IMT-2000 systems. In conjunction with the ITU's efforts, Commission 
staff are participating in domestic and international efforts to 
determine whether additional spectrum is required for IMT-2000 systems 
and, if so, how much. This determination, along with the possible 
identification of frequency bands that could be made available for use 
by IMT-2000 systems, must include consideration of numerous factors, 
including: other wireless services that have already been authorized; 
compatibility with current spectrum uses; interference potential; and 
sharing issues. To refine our analysis of potential IMT-2000 spectrum 
needs, Commission staff seeks comment on a series of questions 
regarding the types of wireless services expected in the future, 
bandwidth and overall spectrum requirements, spectrum location, 
technological advancements, and spectrum efficiency. We also seek 
comment regarding the potential impact on the existing services and the 
potential for IMT-2000 sharing with those services.
Richard B. Engelman,
Chief, Planning & Negotiations Division, International Bureau.
[FR Doc. 98-25165 Filed 9-18-98; 8:45 am]
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