Says delay involving 'Part 90' licensees will ensure ongoing provision of broadband and other critical services amid COVID-19 crisis.

March 19, 2020

1 Min Read

WASHINGTON – Today, the Federal Communications Commission's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau extended the deadline for certain licensees in the 3650-3700 MHz band to transition their existing Part 90 operations—which are used to provide high-speed broadband, utility communications, and other essential wireless services—to the Citizens Broadband Radio Service. Part 90 licensees that would have been required to transition before October 17, 2020 will now have until October 17, 2020 to complete their transitions. This will not impact the timing of the June 25, 2020 auction of Priority Access Licensees in the 3.5 GHz Band.

"Granting this temporary extension will enable Part 90 licensees to focus on continuing to provide high-speed broadband and other critical services during this national state of emergency," said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. "This is a logical delay of the transition during the pandemic to ensure that current licensees, like WISPs and electric utilities, can keep their eyes on the ball when it comes to helping consumers. We can allow this flexibility while still maintaining a reasonable timeline for this transition. I'm also pleased we could find a way to grant this relief without impacting this summer's important 5G auction."

The FCC's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau issued an order granting the extension on its own motion, upon finding that given the evolving and unpredictable nature of the pandemic, October 17, 2020, is a reasonable deadline. As a result of this grant of relief, these Part 90 licensees will have more time to transition and can use this period to remain focused on keeping Americans connected.

FCC

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