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Utility-Telecom Industry Coalition Thanks FCC for its Leadership
WASHINGTON, Jan. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A broad coalition of utilities, trade associations, and the utility technology company Anterix (NASDAQ: ATEX) today expressed gratitude to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for its diligent work in developing and ultimately adopting the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to modify the 900 MHz rules. The proposed rules would provide the flexibility to grow the 900 MHz broadband segment from 3 MHz by 3 MHz to 5 MHz by 5 MHz.
After release of the NPRM, the FCC will seek Comments and Reply Comments in advance of a potential final Report & Order. This expansion is an option the FCC considered in its original rulemaking in 2020 modifying the 900 MHz rules when it approved the 3/3 MHz broadband segment, but, at the time, considered it premature. As the record demonstrates, expansion of the 900 MHz band to permit 5/5 MHz broadband will support growing demand for wide-area, private, and secure wireless broadband networks for utilities, critical infrastructure, and business enterprise entities, among other benefits.
“We applaud the FCC for its leadership and commitment to improving the operations and security of our nation’s evolving electric grid through the deployment of private LTE enabled by 900 MHz broadband spectrum,” said Utility Broadband Alliance Executive Director Bobbi Harris. “Critical communications capabilities are playing a key role in the grid’s ongoing evolution to support our nation’s resilient energy future, and today’s action by the Commission is an incredible step toward enhancing those benefits.”
“Today, enterprise organizations across 15 states already are deploying modern wireless 900 MHz broadband networks to support their evolving communications needs,” said Enterprise Wireless Alliance President and CEO Robin Cohen. “This NPRM provides the optionality of more broadband spectrum, as the growing 900 MHz movement can support future deployment of additional users and use cases in this communications evolution.”
“The foresight and stewardship demonstrated in this NPRM by outgoing Chairwoman Rosenworcel, incoming Chairman Carr, and Commissioner Simington and their staffs, as well as the staff that supports that leadership and those that perform vital work in the Wireless Bureau is greatly appreciated,” said Chris Guttman-McCabe, Chief Regulatory and Corporate Communications Officer at Anterix. “The FCC’s decision to advance the Petition submitted by ten organizations—Ameren, Enterprise Wireless Alliance, Evergy, Lower Colorado River Authority, Portland General Electric, San Diego Gas & Electric, Southern Company's Southern Linc, Utility Broadband Alliance, Xcel Energy, and Anterix—signals strong recognition of the 900 MHz private utility broadband movement’s vision and the capabilities of modern grid-enabling communications.”