FCC Fixes Errors in Radio Frequency Licensing Rules
Published Date: 4/30/2026
Rule
Summary
The FCC fixed some small mistakes in its rules about the 896-901/935-940 MHz radio bands, which affect companies holding or applying for licenses in these frequencies. The corrections clarify who qualifies for licenses and the coverage they must provide, with clear deadlines to meet service goals. These updates take effect April 30, 2026, helping license holders avoid confusion and stay on track without extra costs.
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Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Buildout Deadlines and Coverage Benchmarks
900 MHz broadband licensees must offer service and meet coverage benchmarks by fixed deadlines: for 3/3 (and certain 5/5) licenses the interim requirement is within 6 years of grant (45% population or 25% geographic) and the final requirement is within 12 years of grant (80% population or 50% geographic). Special two-year timing adjustments apply for 5/5 licenses issued in exchange for 3/3 licenses depending on when the exchange occurs relative to the 3/3 interim and final deadlines.
Penalties for Missing Interim Benchmarks
If a 3/3 broadband licensee misses its interim benchmark, its final deadline is accelerated by two years (to 10 years into the license) and the license term is reduced to 13 years. Similar accelerated deadlines and a two-year reduction in license term apply to many 5/5 licensees that fail applicable interim benchmarks.
Automatic Termination and Ongoing Coverage Duty
If a 900 MHz broadband licensee does not meet the final performance benchmark, the license automatically terminates without Commission action. After meeting the final benchmark, a licensee must continue providing coverage at or above that level for the remaining license term and thereafter.
Who Qualifies for 896/935 MHz Licenses
If you apply for or hold licenses in the 897.5-900.5 MHz or 936.5-939.5 MHz bands, you must either hold a 3/3 900 MHz broadband license in the county or meet a 90% combined licensed-channels threshold. That 90% can come from holding 3/3 spectrum, agreements to clear or acquire spectrum (including credit for applications filed on or after March 14, 2019), and/or demonstrating interference protection to covered incumbents in the county and within 70 miles of the county boundary.
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