Amendment of the Commission's Rules Concerning Low Power Radio and Automated Maritime Telecommunications System Operations in the 216- 217 MHz Band

This action amends the maritime service and personal radio service rules to permit the shared use of the 216-217 MHz band on a secondary, non-interference basis, for a new Low Power Radio Service (LPRS) to include auditory assistance devices, health care assistance devices, law enforcement tracking systems, and automated maritime telecommunications system (AMTS) point-to-point network control communications. The effect of this rule is to: increase educational opportunities and access to telecommunications devices for persons with disabilities; facilitate health care services, strengthen law enforcement, and maximize efficiency in the use of AMTS coast stations frequencies. This action promotes effective utilization of presently unused radio spectrum.