Use of the 220-222 MHz Band by the Private Land Mobile Radio Service

In this Fourth Report and Order, the Commission repeals the ``40-mile rule'' for all nationwide and non-nationwide Phase I 220 MHz Service licensees. The 40-mile rule provides that no Phase I 220 MHz licensee may be authorized to operate a station in a particular service category within 40 miles of an existing system authorized to that licensee in the same category unless ``the licensee can demonstrate that the additional system is justified on the basis of its communications requirements.'' This action is needed because the 40- mile rule no longer serves its original purpose and repeal of the rule is expected to promote competition among all commercial mobile radio service providers.