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: October 28, 2013 Cecilia Sulhoff, 202-418-0587 Email: Cecilia.Sulhoff@fcc.gov FCC TAKES ACTION TO PROMOTE INTEROPERABILITY IN THE LOWER 700 MHz BAND Washington, D.C. –The Federal Communications Commission has approved a Report and Order and Order of Proposed Modification to move forward with implementing a voluntary industry agreement that will establish interoperable LTE service in the Lower 700 MHz band. The Order finds that the terms of the voluntary agreement serve the public interest by encouraging efficient use of spectrum and enabling consumers to enjoy the benefits of greater competition. The standards developed by several wireless providers, along with the Competitive Carriers Association, will also give consumers more choice in using their devices with large and small carriers alike and will promote widespread deployment of mobile broadband services, especially in rural areas. Specifically, the Order addresses interference concerns raised in the proceeding by modifying the technical rules of the D and E blocks, so as to remove the likelihood of harm caused by attendant power levels, while continuing to allow high-value uses of these blocks. The item concludes that interference from adjacent Channel 51 operations is unlikely to disturb B and C Block operations and finds that these concerns are not an impediment to achieving interoperability. The Order also proposes to modify AT&T’s B and C block licenses to incorporate the commitments of AT&T and makes changes in construction requirements and deadlines for various E Block licensees in the Lower 700 MHz band. Actions taken in this item improve wireless availability and competition, spur investment in and build out of the networks in the Lower 700 MHz band, and result in significant savings to the consumer. WT Docket No. 12-69 -FCC- News and information about the Federal Communications Commission is available at www.fcc.gov.