FCC Announces Wireless Spectrum Deals with Canada and Mexico

FCC Announces Wireless Spectrum Deals with Canada and Mexico

The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (FCC) has just declared that they have worked out deals with Mexico’s Secretariat of Communications and Transportation and Industry Canada that will lead to the sharing of certain frequencies of wireless spectrum in border areas of the United States and therefore contribute to imperative international coordination. This new development is part of President Obama’s plan to provide broadband access to a larger part of the United States. It will be a valuable way to supply broadband to some otherwise remote areas in the United States. The deal will be exceedingly important for security and crisis purposes because it will allow fire, police, and EMS responders to receive wireless spectrum coverage in more areas. In addition, the FCC believes that these new deals will allow a faster and more expansive roll out of 4G wireless broadband for areas that are now lacking such options. It will include wireless spectrum in the 700MHz and 800MHz bands shared with Canada and 700MHz in the bands shared with Mexico. 

Industry Canada spokesman Lauren Hebert stated, “The arrangement with the U.S. ensures that future Canadian 700 MHz operators will have equal access to spectrum within 120 km of the border and provides clarity on the international coordination requirements in force in that area.” After signing the vital documents Chairman Julius Genachowski of the FCC said, “These arrangements will unleash investment and benefit consumers near the borders by enabling the rollout of 4G wireless broadband service and advanced systems for critical public safety and emergency response communications.”