Federal Communications Commission FCC 12-31
STATEMENT OF
CHAIRMAN JULIUS GENACHOWSKI
Re: Promoting Interoperability in the 700 MHz Commercial Spectrum, WT Docket No. 12-69; 
Interoperability of Mobile User Equipment Across Paired Commercial Spectrum Blocks in the 
700 MHz Band, RM-11592
Since the completion of the 700 MHz auction in 2008, we have seen the emergence of two non-
interoperable band classes for devices.  This was an unanticipated development, and it is having 
consequences that raise real concerns.  
We have heard from providers in one of the bands – the A band – that the lack of interoperability 
is making it difficult to obtain mobile broadband devices.  That difficulty, they have said, is slowing 
mobile broadband roll-outs and buildouts, and making it harder for those providers to compete.  And so 
this issue affects central FCC goals.
To help facilitate solutions to the interoperability challenges, we have over the past months 
increased the agency’s engagement with 3GPP -- the principal mobile broadband standards setting body.   
To continue this work and to help drive toward a solution, today we initiate a proceeding on 
interoperability.  A key issue will be interference -- whether a unified band class would result in harmful 
interference to Lower 700 MHz B and C Block licensees, and whether, if interference exists, it reasonably 
can be mitigated.  
I hope and expect that industry will take the lead in developing an interoperability solution to 
allow for additional deployment of mobile broadband networks and increase the choice of providers 
available to consumers.  An industry-led solution would be the preferable solution, and multiple 
stakeholders have indicated that a unified band class can be win-win if interference concerns are 
addressed.  Of course, we are launching this proceeding because no solution has been reached yet and we 
will be closely monitoring progress in addition to developing a record as part of this proceeding.
I’d like to thank Commissioner Clyburn for her strong work to bring this issue to the fore, and 
Commissioner McDowell for his constructive input that is reflected in the Notice.
I want to thank the FCC staff for their work on this item.