Future Development of SMR Systems in the 800 MHz Frequency Band, Regulatory Treatment of Mobile Services, and Competitive Bidding

In this Memorandum Opinion and Order on Reconsideration (MO&O), the Commission completes the implementation of a new licensing framework for the 800 MHz Specialized Mobile Radio service (SMR). Specifically, the Commission revises or clarifies its rules concerning: the channel plan for General Category channels, the modification of incumbent licensee systems, and the mandatory relocation of incumbent licensee systems from the upper 200 channels to the lower 230 channels. Additionally, the Commission retains its current construction and coverage requirements and clarifies its rules concerning co-channel interference protection, the definition of incumbent and the applicability of its partitioning and disaggregation rules to Private Mobile Radio Service (PMRS) licensees in the 800 MHz and 900 MHz SMR services. The Commission also reaffirms its conclusion that competitive bidding is an appropriate tool to resolve mutually exclusive license applications for the General Category and lower 80 channels of the 800 MHz SMR service. These modifications and clarifications strike an equitable balance between the competing interests of 800 MHz SMR licensees seeking to provide local service and those desiring to provide geographic area service. Further, the Commission's licensing framework will enhance the competitive potential of SMR services in the Commercial Mobile Radio Service (CMRS) marketplace.