SB QST @ ARL $ARLB080
ARLB080 New 2.3 GHz service

ZCZC AG60
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 80  ARLB080
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT  November 14, 1996
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB080
ARLB080 New 2.3 GHz service

The FCC has proposed to create a new Wireless Communications Service
(WCS) in the 2305-2320 and 2345-2360 MHz bands and to award licenses
on the basis of competitive bidding. The bands include a 5 MHz
segment that Amateur Radio shares with government services between
2305 and 2310 MHz. Just before it adjourned, the 104th Congress
approved a provision as part of the much-larger appropriations bill
that directed the FCC to put the 30 MHz of spectrum in the 2.3 GHz
region up for competitive bidding to help balance the budget. It's
believed to be the first time the Congress has ordered the
reallocation of specific frequencies.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration
(NTIA) had identified for reallocation the amateur segments
2300-2310 MHz and 2390-2400 MHz in May 1994, so reallocation of part
of that subband came as no surprise. At its special session in
October, the ARRL Board of Directors approved a proposal to seek an
increase in the amateur service allocation status, from secondary to
primary, in the 2300-2305 MHz segment.

The FCC says the new WCS service would allow licensees to provide
any fixed, mobile or radiolocation service, or satellite Digital
Audio Radio Services (satellite DARS), consistent with the
international frequency allocations for these bands. The Commission
also proposed to adopt no restrictions on eligibility for a WCS
license and to allow WCS licensees ''to partition their service
areas, disaggregate spectrum, and franchise portions of their
spectrum or service areas on a leased basis.''

Competitive bidding for the two segments will begin no later than
next April 15. Comments are due by December 4, 1996, and reply
comments by December 16, 1996.
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