• Acting on WT Docket 00-32, in April 2003 the FCC adopted new service rules for the 50 megahertz of spectrum in the 4940 -4990 MHz band (also known as the 4.9 GHz band). This spectrum has been reallocated from Federal Govenment use to Public Safety for wide bandwidth data systems, and fixed links on a secondary basis. [Link]
• In adopting the Rules for this new spectrum, the FCC again adopted the Regional Planning process to coordinate the spectrum at a Regional level.
• The RPCs are allowed maximum flexibility to meet state and local needs, encourage innovative use of the spectrum, and accommodate new and as yet unanticipated developments in technology equipment, and are responsible for creating and managing regional spectrum utilization plans.
• The Region 6 RPC will be meeting soon to decide how to approach this new task. This page is to keep the community informed of the progress of the RPC on this exciting new band.

4.9 GHz SURVEY DOCUMENTS RELEASED

The Region 5 and Region 6 Regional Planning Committees have jointly developed a survey document to establish needs for spectrum use in the 4940-4990 MHz band in California. The Survey is due back to Bill DeCamp (address at right) before June 1, 2004.

[Survey Document] [Background Information]

FCC ESTABLISHES PUBLIC SAFETY UTILIZATION RULES FOR THE 4940-4990 MHz ("4.9 GHz") BAND.

On May 2, 2003 the FCC released its Third Report And Order in the matter of "The 4.9 GHz Band Transferred from Federal Government Use (WT Docket 00-32). Effective 30 days after publication in the Federal Register, the new Rules allocate the band to Public Safety for wideband use.

The FCC's new Rules call for the existing 700 MHz RPCs to meet within six months of the effective date of the new Rules, and address spectrum planning for the new band, with a Plan filed with the FCC within twelve months of the effective date.

[Full copy of the Third Report and Order]