Title 47, Telegraphs, Telephones, and RadiotelegraphsRelease 119-110
§1454 Guard Bands and Unlicensed Use
Title 47 › CHAPTER 13 — PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM AUCTIONS › SUBCHAPTER IV — SPECTRUM AUCTION AUTHORITY › § 1454
Summary
The FCC may use relinquished or other spectrum to make band plans that include guard bands no larger than needed to prevent harmful interference. It may allow unlicensed use in those bands tied to a database or method, but not if it would cause interference to licensed services.
Full Legal Text
Title 47, §1454
Telegraphs, Telephones, and Radiotelegraphs, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
(a)In general
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)Size of guard bands
Such guard bands shall be no larger than is technically reasonable to prevent harmful interference between licensed services outside the guard bands.
(c)Unlicensed use in guard bands
The Commission may permit the use of such guard bands for unlicensed use.
(d)Database
Unlicensed use shall rely on a database or subsequent methodology as determined by the Commission.
(e)Protections against harmful interference
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
Sep 22, 2026
Release point: 119-110