[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]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-M
