Media Contact: 
Neil Grace, 202-418-0506
neil.grace@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
THE UNITED STATES AND MEXICO AGREE TO PROTOCOL TO SHARE 
SPECTRUM IN THE 220-222 MHZ BAND ALONG THE U.S.-MEXICO BORDER
  
Protocol Will Facilitate Deployment of Positive Train Control Services
  --
WASHINGTON, December 8, 2016 – The Federal Communications Commission announces 
the successful negotiation of a protocol with the Mexican government that will facilitate U.S. 
railroads' deployment and operation of Positive Train Control systems in the U.S.-Mexico 
border area.  
The Protocol will facilitate implementation of Positive Train Control technology in the 220-222 
MHz band along the common border. The Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 requires freight, 
commuter, and passenger railroads to implement interoperable PTC systems by December 31, 
2018 on all U.S. main line track where passenger and commuter railroads operate, as well as on 
lines carrying certain hazardous materials.  
PTC systems are intended to reduce the risk of rail accidents by enabling real-time information 
sharing between trains, rail wayside devices, and control centers. PTC technology is designed to 
automatically slow or stop a train in order to avoid a train-to-train collision or derailment.  
Many PTC systems in the United States will operate in the 220-222 MHz band.  Since rail 
lines cross the U.S.-Mexico border, and since railroads will be using PTC radios both 
onboard and along rail lines, implementation of PTC systems will affect use of the 220-222 
MHz band in the border region.  A similar agreement has been executed between the FCC 
and the Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development of Canada covering 
the U.S./Canada border region. The agreement between the U.S. and Canada can be found 
here: https://transition.fcc.gov/ib/sand/agree/files/can-nb/20150518103911.pdf. 
The Protocol between the Department of State of the United States of America and the 
Ministry of Communications and Transportation of the United Mexican States Concerning 
the Allotment and Use of the Channels in the 220-222 MHz Band for Land Mobile Services 
Along the Common Border is available for review in the FCC’s Reference Information 
Center at 445 12th Street, S.W., Courtyard Level, Washington, D.C. 20554. The Protocol is 
also available here: http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/international-agreements. 
Contacts:  Ann Gallagher, International Bureau at (202) 418-2716 and Tim Maguire, 
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau at (202) 418-2155.
###
Office of Media Relations: (202) 418-0500
TTY: (888) 835-5322
Twitter: @FCC
www.fcc.gov/office-media-relations
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. Cir. 1974).