FCC seeks comments by May 14 on notice of proposed rulemaking (NP...

4 for NPRM that Commission approved this month (CD March 19 p1). Item addresses lower channels in 700 MHz, which must be auctioned by Sept. 30, 2002, and are occupied now by broadcasters who face digital TV deadlines for leaving band. Broadcasters must vacate spectrum by 2006 unless certain service penetration criteria are met. Among issues on which proposal seeks comment are whether agency should consider ways to facilitate DTV transition ahead of deadlines to make spectrum available to successful bidders sooner. NPRM said possible applications for spectrum included mobile wireless, wireless local loop, video and multimedia. Proposal also would allow companies to obtain licenses in that spectrum to provide broadcast services, such as mobile TV. Comment is sought on “whether this broad allocation is appropriate.” FCC requested feedback on whether restrictions on allocation were needed to protect adjacent channel broadcast operations. As example, NPRM asked whether there was need for guard band or separate allocation at lower end of band limited to low-power service because TV channels would remain adjacent to band on Ch. 51. “Alternatively, would the 698-746 MHz band be more useful for fixed services than mobile services in light of the high number of incumbent broadcasters that operate on the spectrum?” On that point, proposal sought comment on whether “fixed services may be more successful than mobile services in structuring their systems to avoid interference with incumbent broadcasters.” Agency asked for comment on appropriate amount of spectrum for each license in 698- 746 MHz band, specifically whether it should be licensed as single 48 MHz block or in smaller increments.