New FCC Rules Permit States to Lease 4.9 GHz Band Spectrum
The Federal Communications Commission on September 30, 2020 adopted new rules permitting states to lease spectrum in the 4.9 GHz (4940-4990 MHz) band. Under the new rules, states may determine the highest and best use for the band, and thus may continue to use the spectrum for their own public safety network operations; may enter into commercial arrangements for deployment of public-safety communications services; may lease spectrum to a commercial provider for deployment of mobile or fixed wireless Internet service, private land mobile radio service or critical infrastructure connectivity; or a combination of any of these or other arrangements allowed by FCC rules.