Media Contact: 
Charlie Meisch, (202) 418-2943
charles.meisch@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
FCC ADOPTS RULES FOR UNLICENSED SERVICES IN TV AND 600 MHz BANDS
New Rules Will Maximize Unlicensed Access to Spectrum while Ensuring Licensed 
Services Are Protected from Harmful Interference Following the Incentive Auction
WASHINGTON, August 6, 2015 – The Federal Communications Commission adopted a Report 
and Order that modernizes its Part 15 rules to accommodate growing demand for and encourage 
innovation in unlicensed use. The new rules adopted today will permit unlicensed fixed and 
personal/portable white space devices and unlicensed wireless microphones to use channels in the 
600 MHz and television broadcast bands while continuing to protect television and other licensed 
services from harmful interference. 
Unlicensed devices have grown from basic garage door openers and cordless phones to Wi-Fi and 
Bluetooth technologies to the “Internet of Things.”  The Commission’s Part 15 rules permit
unlicensed devices to operate on unused TV channels, the so-called “white space” spectrum. 
Following the upcoming incentive auction, there may be fewer white space frequencies in the 
television band for use by such devices.
The Report and Order adopted today is designed to allow for more robust unlicensed use and to 
promote spectral efficiency in the 600 MHz band.  Specifically the rules:
? Permit more robust and efficient operation of fixed and personal/portable white space 
devices in television broadcast bands without increasing the risk of interference to 
broadcast services;
? Provide technical parameters for fixed and personal/portable white space devices to 
operate in the 600 MHz band, including the duplex gap and guard bands, and channel 37 
on a shared non-interference basis with medical telemetry and radio astronomy; 
? Permit sharing  of spectrum between white space devices and unlicensed microphones in 
the 600 MHz band; 
? Expand the location and frequency information in the white space databases and update
database procedures; and
? Adopt transition periods for the certification, manufacturing and marketing of white 
space devices and wireless microphones that comply with new rules. 
With today’s action, the Commission fulfills its commitment in the Incentive Auction Report and 
Order to provide nationwide access to spectrum for unlicensed use in the 600 MHz band. 
Action by the Commission August 6, 2015 by Report and Order (FCC 15-99). Chairman
Wheeler, Commissioners Clyburn and Rosenworcel approving. Commissioners Pai and O'Rielly 
approving in part and concurring in part. Chairman Wheeler, Commissioners Clyburn, 
Rosenworcel, Pai and O’Rielly issuing statements.  
ET Docket No. 14-165; GN Docket No. 12-268
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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).