Facilitating the Provision of Spectrum-Based Services to Rural Areas and Promoting Opportunities for Rural Telephone Companies To Provide Spectrum-Based Services

In this document, the Federal Communications Commission ("Commission") modifies certain regulations and policies to facilitate the deployment of wireless services in rural areas. The Commission establishes the definition for "rural areas" in the context of specific policies or regulations governing wireless communications services. The Commission also evaluates its policies governing the licensing of spectrum, both with respect to initial geographic area licensing as well as subsequent re-licensing. The Commission also takes steps to facilitate increased access to capital for rural licensees, such as the elimination of the remaining components of the cellular cross-interest rule, as well as the revision of Commission policies governing security interests in wireless licenses. Further, the Commission takes several actions designed to increase licensee flexibility and permit more cost-effective coverage of rural areas; for example, the Commission increases the permissible power levels for certain wireless services that are located in rural areas, permits certain geographic-area licensees to provide substantial service as a means of complying with their construction requirements, and clarifies its policies governing infrastructure sharing arrangements.