NEWS
Federal Communications Commission
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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
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
March 31, 2014 Cecilia Sulhoff: (202) 418-0587
Email: cecilia.sulhoff@fcc.gov
FCC SETS STAGE FOR AUCTION OF 65 MHZ OF SPECTRUM FOR MOBILE BROADBAND;
LARGEST AMOUNT OF SPECTRUM MADE AVAILALBE IN SIX YEARS
FCC continues efforts to meet demand for spectrum
Washington, D.C. – Today the Commission adopted a Report and Order that advances ongoing efforts to 
make more spectrum available for flexible use wireless services, including mobile broadband.  The 
Report and Order represents significant progress in the Commission’s ongoing effort to make available 
and promote efficient use of spectrum, including through sharing.
Today’s action represents the largest amount of spectrum suitable for mobile broadband that the 
Commission has made available for auction since the 700 MHz band was auctioned in 2008.  The action 
also builds upon the success of the recent H Block auction.  Access to these bands will help wireless 
companies meet growing consumer demand for mobile data by enabling faster wireless speeds and more 
capacity.
Specifically, the Report and Order sets flexible-use regulatory, licensing, and technical rules for 65 
megahertz of spectrum in the AWS-3 band, which includes the 1695-1710 MHz, 1755-1780 MHz, and 
2155-2180 MHz bands.  
The Report and Order establishes a band plan that makes spectrum available in a mix of spectrum block 
and geographic license area sizes to meet the needs of large and small wireless providers.  The Report and 
Order also establishes construction deadlines and other service rules, including a requirement that AWS-3 
devices be interoperable within AWS-3 and AWS-1 frequencies. 
The Report and Order is the result of years of work across multiple federal agencies and in coordination 
with industry stakeholders to make 40 megahertz (of the total 65 megahertz) of the AWS-3 spectrum 
available for commercial use.  This spectrum will be available on a shared basis with federal incumbents
in accordance with detailed plans for these agencies to relocate out of the frequencies or share within the 
frequencies. 
Action by the Commission March 31, 2014, by Report and Order (FCC 14-31). Chairman Wheeler, 
Commissioners Clyburn and Rosenworcel, with Commissioners Pai and O’Rielly approving in part and 
concurring in part. Chairman Wheeler, Commissioners Clyburn, Rosenworcel, Pai and O’Rielly issuing 
statements.
GN Docket No. 13-185
– FCC –
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