Facilitating the Use of Microwave for Wireless Backhaul and Other Uses and Providing Additional Flexibility To Broadcast Auxiliary Service and Operational Fixed Microwave Licensees

In this document, the Commission continues its efforts to increase flexibility in the use of microwave services licensed under our rules. This additional flexibility will enable FS licensees to reduce operational costs, increase reliability, and facilitate the use of wireless backhaul in rural areas. The steps we take will remove regulatory barriers that limit the use of spectrum for wireless backhaul and other point-to-point and point-to-multipoint communications. We also make additional spectrum available for wireless backhaul--as much as 650 megahertz--especially in rural areas, where wireless backhaul is the only practical middle mile solution. By enabling more flexible and cost-effective microwave services, the Commission can help accelerate deployment of fourth-generation (4G) mobile broadband infrastructure across America.