Media Contact: 
Cecilia Sulhoff, 202-418-0587
cecilia.sulhoff@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
FCC ENABLES INVESTMENTS IN AND PROVISIONING OF
MOBILE BROADBAND SERVICES IN THE 800 MHz CELLULAR BAND
  --
WASHINGTON, March 23, 2017 – Today, the FCC took steps to reform certain outdated rules 
applicable to the 800 MHz Cellular Service band to facilitate the use of Cellular spectrum for
mobile broadband services such as long term evolution (LTE), which provides high-speed 
connectivity to today’s mobile consumers.
To accommodate continued skyrocketing demand for mobile broadband, the revisions adopted 
today will allow providers to use Cellular spectrum to provide mobile broadband service to the 
public more efficiently, reduce barriers to innovation and investment and ease administrative 
burdens.  At the same time, the rules will continue to safeguard public safety operations.
Specific reforms adopted today include:
? Power Reform: The Commission will facilitate broadband technologies by changing its 
technical rules to permit Cellular licensees to transmit the same amount of power across 
the spectrum band, whether they are deploying a legacy (narrow bandwidth) technology 
or modern (wider bandwidth) technology like LTE.
? Co-existence with Public Safety: The Commission will continue to ensure co-existence of 
Cellular and neighboring public safety systems by retaining Cellular-specific interference 
resolution rules and procedures and by engaging stakeholders via a public forum. 
? Consistent Treatment with Similar Spectrum Bands: The Commission will treat Cellular 
spectrum consistently with other similar commercial wireless spectrum bands by 
conforming rules related to power measurement, out of band emissions, field strength, 
and discontinuance of operations. 
? Unnecessary rules/burdens: The Commission will eliminate unnecessary rules and 
burdens related to application filings, domestic and international coordination, and 
comparative renewal. 
In addition, the Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposes to eliminate unnecessary rules 
and burdens related to records retention, operators and control points, and employment reports, 
and seeks comment on whether to simplify and consolidate the rules for Cellular and other 
commercial wireless services.
Action by the Commission March 23, 2017 by Second Report and Order, Report and Order, and 
Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 17-27). Chairman Pai, Commissioners
Clyburn and O’Rielly approving and issuing separate statements.  
WT Docket No. 12-40; RM No. 11510; RM No. 11660
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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. Cir. 1974).