The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has revised the 700 megahertz band plan and service rules “to promote the creation of a nationwide interoperable broadband network for public safety and to facilitate the availability of new and innovative wireless broadband services for consumers,” the commission announced July 31.

By February 2009, TV broadcasters will be legally required to broadcast all-digitally, thereby freeing up approximately 700 megahertz of public airwaves. The FCC decision provides for consumers to use whichever combination of phone and service provider they wish on nearly a third of the spectrum.

An auction for use of those airwaves might ante up more than $15 billion by interested companies such as AT&T, Verizon and possibly Google. The auction will be held no later than Jan. 28, 2008.
The FCC also moved to address communications problems encountered by 9/11 first responders by ruling to create a shared public-safety network.