The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has taken steps to expand broadband access that it says will support spectrum use by utilities and critical infrastructure entities.
In a Report and Order issued in mid-February, the Commission adopted new rules that will provide access to all 10 megahertz of the 900 MHz band. This action will reportedly enhance spectrum capacity to address the growing demand for private and secure wireless broadband networks serving utilities, critical infrastructure, and enterprise businesses.
The FCC says that its new rules will introduce a “county-level, negotiation-based process” that will support the deployment of broadband services under several configurations. This approach, according to the Commission, is part of its market-driven transition and reflects its efforts to ensure the most efficient use of the spectrum in strengthening the American economy.
The FCC’s Report and Order detailing its changes to broadband spectrum access is available at https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-26-9A1.pdf.