Last week, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved proposed rules to allow broadband wireless operations on the 900 MHz spectrum, previously dedicated exclusively to land-mobile-radio (LMR) communications less than six years ago. This significant decision supports the ongoing evolution of critical communication networks, with much of the spectrum licensed to Anterix.

Under the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), the FCC outlines a framework to facilitate broadband deployment—primarily 4G LTE—across the 896-901/935-940 MHz band. The NPRM was approved without participation from FCC Commissioners Geoffrey Starks and Anna Gomez, according to official documentation.

Chris Guttman-McCabe, Chief Regulatory and Corporate Communications Officer at Anterix, praised the FCC’s swift action. “On behalf of Anterix and our nine co-petitioners, we are thrilled with this progress,” said Guttman-McCabe in an interview. “This milestone reflects the strength of the record we’ve built, and we’re eager to move forward.”

The initial petition, filed on February 28 last year, was supported by Ameren, the Enterprise Wireless Alliance (EWA), Evergy, Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), Portland General Electric, San Diego Gas & Electric, Southern Linc, the Utility Broadband Alliance (UBA), and Xcel Energy.

The NPRM builds on the FCC’s 2020 rules that reallocated the 900 MHz band to allow 3x3 MHz broadband operations—predominantly licensed to Anterix—alongside 2x2 MHz LMR systems. The new NPRM proposes expanding broadband capabilities across the remaining 2x2 MHz LMR spectrum, contingent on voluntary agreements with incumbent users.

“We believe in a collaborative approach to transition this spectrum,” Guttman-McCabe noted. “So far, we’ve successfully cleared nearly three-quarters of incumbents in the 3x3 MHz range through voluntary agreements, and we’re confident this method will continue to drive progress.”

To clear the entire 5x5 MHz band for broadband, LMR systems may need to migrate to alternative bands, such as 800 MHz or 220 MHz, or utilize the 900 MHz broadband systems deployed by utilities. This reallocation offers significant potential to enhance utility operations and communications.

“The 5x5 MHz band allows utilities to provide improved service quality within their footprint, while enhancing internal operations and offering new capabilities to other enterprises,” said Guttman-McCabe.

Utility stakeholders have expressed strong support for the FCC’s NPRM. Bobbi Harris, Executive Director of the Utility Broadband Alliance (UBA), highlighted its importance: “The FCC’s leadership in enabling private LTE networks through 900 MHz broadband spectrum is a pivotal step in modernizing our nation’s electric grid.”

Robin Cohen, President and CEO of the Enterprise Wireless Alliance (EWA), echoed this sentiment, stating, “This NPRM represents a vital opportunity to expand broadband capacity, ensuring modern wireless networks can meet the growing demands of enterprise organizations across the country.”

The FCC’s approval of the NPRM comes shortly after the appointment of utility industry veteran Tom Kuhn as Chairman of the Anterix board, succeeding Morgan O’Brien. This leadership transition underscores Anterix’s commitment to advancing private LTE solutions for critical infrastructure.

The NPRM’s approval represents a critical milestone for utilities and other stakeholders aiming to transform the 900 MHz band into a robust broadband platform, empowering industries with secure, reliable, and future-ready communications.