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 CONTACT: September 10, 2007 Chelsea Fallon: (202) 418-7991 FCC PERMITS THE USE OF SMALLER ANTENNAS BY FIXED SERVICE OPERATORS IN THE 11 GHz BAND WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a Report and Order (Order) released today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) permitted Fixed Service (FS) operators in the 10.7-11.7 GHz (11 GHz) spectrum band to install and use smaller antennas. This action will facilitate a range of fixed microwave applications – including those that support next generation mobile services – that are not accommodated under the existing rules for the 11 GHz band. These rule changes were proposed in a March 2007 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, which the FCC adopted in response to a Petition for Rulemaking filed by FiberTower, Inc., a wireless backhaul provider. The lower costs and enhanced benefits of smaller antennas will result in more efficient use of the 11 GHz band without harming existing users. An applicant seeking to use a smaller antenna in the 11 GHz band will need to coordinate its proposed facilities with existing users in the band. The FCC also stated that it expected FS applicants in the 11 GHz band to carefully coordinate their operations with the authorized feeder link operations of any licensed geostationary (GSO) Mobile Service Satellite (MSS) gateway earth station in the 11 GHz band so as to avoid harmful aggregate interference. Action by the Commission on September 7, 2007, by Report and Order (FCC 07-163). Chairman Martin, Commissioners Copps, Adelstein, Tate, and McDowell. Separate statements issued by Commissioners Adelstein, Tate, and McDowell. For additional information, contact Brian Wondrack at (202) 418-0653 or Brian.Wondrack@fcc.gov. WT Docket No. 07-54. – FCC – News and other information about the Federal Communications Commission is available at www.fcc.gov.