900 MHz Draft Order -- What To Know [telecom]

open original image

by Jennifer L. Richter and Shea Boyd

The 900 MHz band (896-901/935-940 MHz) encompasses 10 MHz of spectrum that is used by many utilities, refiners, railroads and other critical infrastructure operators in the United States, primarily for two-way voice communications. These "narrowband" uses are important to both the daily operations of these businesses as well as safety-related and emergency response communications. The alternative bands for narrowband communications are limited. In many of the more populated areas across the country, available narrowband frequencies are intensively used, and there is concern that there may not be sufficient spectrum available to support future needs, particularly the expansion of large utility and refinery operations that rely on these frequencies. In rural areas, and away from coastal urban centers, 900 MHz frequencies are less heavily utilized.