Title 47 — Telegraphs, Telephones, and RadiotelegraphsRelease 119-73
§1454 Guard bands and unlicensed use
Title 47 › Chapter CHAPTER 13— - PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM AUCTIONS › Subchapter SUBCHAPTER IV— - SPECTRUM AUCTION AUTHORITY › § 1454
Summary
Lets the FCC use relinquished or other spectrum to create guard bands. Guard bands must be no larger than needed. The FCC can allow unlicensed use under a database or method it approves, but not if it causes harmful interference to licensed services.
Full Legal Text
Title 47, §1454
Telegraphs, Telephones, and Radiotelegraphs — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
(a)Nothing in subparagraph (G) of section 309(j)(8) of this title or in section 1452 of this title shall be construed to prevent the Commission from using relinquished or other spectrum to implement band plans with guard bands.
(b)Such guard bands shall be no larger than is technically reasonable to prevent harmful interference between licensed services outside the guard bands.
(c)The Commission may permit the use of such guard bands for unlicensed use.
(d)Unlicensed use shall rely on a database or subsequent methodology as determined by the Commission.
(e)The Commission may not permit any use of a guard band that the Commission determines would cause harmful interference to licensed services.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
47 U.S.C. § 1454
Title 47 — Telegraphs, Telephones, and Radiotelegraphs
Last Updated
Apr 6, 2026
Release point: 119-73