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700 MHz Commercial and Public Safety Spectrum
SERVICE RULES
a. Lower 700 MHz Band
Three commercial spectrum blocks will be auctioned in the Lower 700 MHz portion of the band. Block A, which is comprised of 12 MHz of paired spectrum, is divided into 176 Economic Areas ("EAs") as defined by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Spectrum Block B, which is also comprised of 12 MHz of paired spectrum, is divided into 734 Cellular Market Areas ("CMAs") for auction and licensing. The CMAs are made up of: 1) 305 Metropolitan Statistical Areas ("MSAs") as defined by the Department of Commerce, and 2) 429 Rural Service Areas ("RSAs"), which are clusters of rural counties specified in the FCC’s rules. Block E, with 6 MHz of unpaired spectrum, is divided into 176 EAs. The Lower 700 MHz Blocks C and D were auctioned previously.
b. Upper 700 MHz Band
The C Block in the upper 700 MHz Band was expanded by 2 MHz and, as a result, now contains 22 MHz of paired spectrum. It was divided into 12 Regional Economic Area Groupings ("REAGs"). Block D, with 10 MHz of paired spectrum, will be auctioned as one nationwide license.
The FCC's final band plan also locates the Guard Band Block A, consisting of 2 MHz of paired spectrum, at a position between the Upper 700 MHz C and D Blocks. Guard Band Block B was reduced from 4 MHz of paired spectrum to 2 MHz of paired spectrum and relocated to a position just above the public safety portion of the Upper 700 MHz spectrum. These blocks were previously auctioned. Nextel, which was the primary winner of the Guard Band Block B licenses, returned its Guard Band licenses to the FCC as part of its arrangement in the 800 MHz rebanding proceeding.
