NEWS Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20554 This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974). News Media Information 202 / 418-0500 Internet: http://www.fcc.gov TTY: 1-888-835-5322 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NEWS MEDIA CONTACTS: May 24, 2012 Cecilia Sulhoff, 202-418-0587 Cecilia.Sulhoff@fcc.gov FCC PROMOTES WIRELESS INVESTMENT AND DEPLOYMENT IN THE 800 MHz SMR BAND Issues Report and Order to Reduce Regulatory Burdens Affecting 800 MHz SMR Licensees Washington, D.C.—The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a Report and Order today that reduces barriers to the deployment of broadband, encourages investment in wireless technologies, and facilitates the efficient use of spectrum by revising a burdensome legacy regulation that unnecessarily constrained 800 MHz Specialized Mobile Radio (SMR) licensees. The Report and Order amends the Commission’s rules to allow geographically-based SMR licensees to operate across contiguous channels without a rigid channel spacing requirement or bandwidth limitation. Lifting the unduly restrictive limitations currently in place will enable licensees to fully and more efficiently utilize their licensed spectrum and transition their networks from legacy 2G technologies to 3G as well as other advanced technologies such as LTE. The Report and Order balances these benefits with the continuing need to protect 800 MHz public safety operations from interference and maintain the significant strides made in the ongoing 800 MHz reconfiguration process, whereby 800 MHz operations are being relocated to protect public safety licensees against interference. The FCC’s action today will spur investment in and deployment of wireless broadband networks and improve spectrum efficiency while benefiting consumers through increased access to advanced wireless services, including in rural, unserved, and underserved areas. Action by the Commission May 24, 2012, by Report and Order (FCC 12-55). Chairman Genachowski, Commissioners McDowell, Clyburn, Rosenworcel, and Pai. Separate statements issued by Chairman Genachowski, Commissioners McDowell, Clyburn, Rosenworcel, and Pai. WT Docket No. 12-64. For further information, contact Brian Regan: 202-418-2849; Brian.Regan@fcc.gov. -FCC- News and information about the Federal Communications Commission is available at www.fcc.gov.