FCC Approves Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to Expand 900 MHz Broadband Segment
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to expand the 900 MHz broadband segment from 3 MHz by 3 MHz to 5 MHz by 5 MHz. This decision follows a petition from ten organizations, including utilities and Anterix (NASDAQ: ATEX).
The expansion aims to support growing demand for wide-area, private, and secure wireless broadband networks for utilities and critical infrastructure. Currently, enterprise organizations across 15 states are deploying modern wireless 900 MHz broadband networks. Major utilities including Ameren, Evergy, Lower Colorado River Authority, and Xcel Energy have endorsed the proceeding, highlighting the benefits of expanded bandwidth for grid modernization, enhanced cybersecurity, and reliability improvements.
La Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ha approvato un Avviso di Procedura di Regolamentazione Proposta (NPRM) per espandere il segmento di banda larga a 900 MHz da 3 MHz per 3 MHz a 5 MHz per 5 MHz. Questa decisione segue una petizione presentata da dieci organizzazioni, tra cui utility e Anterix (NASDAQ: ATEX).
L'espansione mira a supportare la crescente domanda di reti wireless a banda larga private e sicure per le utility e le infrastrutture critiche. Attualmente, organizzazioni aziendali in 15 stati stanno implementando moderne reti wireless a banda larga a 900 MHz. Grandi utility come Ameren, Evergy, Lower Colorado River Authority e Xcel Energy hanno sostenuto il procedimento, evidenziando i benefici di una larghezza di banda ampliata per la modernizzazione della rete, il miglioramento della sicurezza informatica e l'affidabilità.
La Comisión Federal de Comunicaciones (FCC) ha aprobado un Aviso de Propuesta de Regulación (NPRM) para expandir el segmento de banda ancha de 900 MHz de 3 MHz por 3 MHz a 5 MHz por 5 MHz. Esta decisión sigue a una petición de diez organizaciones, incluidas utilidades y Anterix (NASDAQ: ATEX).
La expansión tiene como objetivo apoyar la creciente demanda de redes inalámbricas de banda ancha privadas y seguras para utilidades e infraestructura crítica. Actualmente, organizaciones empresariales en 15 estados están implementando redes inalámbricas modernas de banda ancha de 900 MHz. Grandes utilidades como Ameren, Evergy, Lower Colorado River Authority y Xcel Energy han respaldado el procedimiento, destacando los beneficios de una mayor capacidad de banda para la modernización de la red, el aumento de la ciberseguridad y las mejoras en la confiabilidad.
연방통신위원회(FCC)가 900 MHz 광대역 세그먼트를 3 MHz에서 3 MHz까지의 범위를 5 MHz에서 5 MHz로 확장하는 규칙 제정 제안(NPRM)을 승인했습니다. 이 결정은 유틸리티와 Anterix(NASDAQ: ATEX)를 포함한 10개 조직의 청원에 따라 이루어진 것입니다.
확장은 유틸리티 및 중요한 인프라를 위한 광범위하고 개인적이며 안전한 무선 광대역 네트워크에 대한 증가하는 수요를 지원하기 위한 것입니다. 현재, 15개 주의 기업들이 현대적인 900 MHz 무선 광대역 네트워크를 구축하고 있습니다. Ameren, Evergy, Lower Colorado River Authority, Xcel Energy와 같은 주요 유틸리티는 그리드 현대화, 사이버 보안 강화 및 신뢰성 향상에 대한 확대된 대역폭의 이점을 강조하며 이 절차를 지지했습니다.
La Commission fédérale des communications (FCC) a approuvé un Avis de proposition de réglementation (NPRM) pour étendre le segment de bande large de 900 MHz de 3 MHz par 3 MHz à 5 MHz par 5 MHz. Cette décision fait suite à une pétition de dix organisations, y compris des services publics et Anterix (NASDAQ: ATEX).
Cette expansion vise à soutenir la demande croissante de réseaux sans fil larges, privés et sécurisés pour les services publics et les infrastructures critiques. Actuellement, des entreprises dans 15 États déploient des réseaux sans fil modernes de 900 MHz. Des services publics majeurs, tels qu'Ameren, Evergy, Lower Colorado River Authority et Xcel Energy, ont soutenu cette procédure, mettant en avant les avantages d'une bande passante élargie pour la modernisation du réseau, l'amélioration de la cybersécurité et des améliorations de fiabilité.
Die Federal Communications Commission (FCC) hat einen Vorschlag zur Regelung (NPRM) genehmigt, um das 900 MHz-Breitbandsegment von 3 MHz auf 3 MHz auf 5 MHz auf 5 MHz zu erweitern. Diese Entscheidung folgt einem Anliegen von zehn Organisationen, darunter Versorgungsunternehmen und Anterix (NASDAQ: ATEX).
Die Expansion zielt darauf ab, die wachsende Nachfrage nach weiträumigen, privaten und sicheren drahtlosen Breitbandnetzen für Versorgungsunternehmen und kritische Infrastrukturen zu unterstützen. Derzeit setzen Unternehmen in 15 Bundesstaaten moderne drahtlose 900 MHz-Breitbandnetze um. Große Versorgungsunternehmen wie Ameren, Evergy, Lower Colorado River Authority und Xcel Energy haben das Verfahren unterstützt und die Vorteile einer erweiterten Bandbreite für die Modernisierung der Netze, die Verbesserung der Cybersicherheit und die Zuverlässigkeitssteigerungen hervorgehoben.
- FCC approval to potentially expand 900 MHz broadband spectrum allocation
- Strong industry support with endorsement from over 30 organizations
- Current deployment across 15 states shows market validation
- Potential for enhanced service capabilities and market opportunities
- Final approval still pending completion of Comment and Reply Comment period
- Implementation timeline uncertain
Insights
The FCC's NPRM to expand the 900 MHz broadband segment represents a pivotal regulatory development for Anterix's business model. The potential expansion from 3x3 MHz to 5x5 MHz would significantly enhance network capabilities for utility customers, enabling higher data throughput and improved network performance. This broader spectrum allocation could drive increased spectrum lease valuations and accelerate adoption among utilities seeking robust private LTE networks.
The strong industry support from major utilities like Ameren, Evergy and Xcel Energy validates the market demand and strengthens Anterix's position as the primary 900 MHz spectrum holder. The voluntary nature of the expansion preserves flexibility while creating additional monetization opportunities. A critical factor is that this regulatory momentum comes amid increasing utility sector digitalization needs, particularly for grid modernization and cybersecurity.
This regulatory development aligns perfectly with utilities' growing need for private wireless networks to support grid modernization initiatives. The proposed 5x5 MHz allocation would provide 66% more spectrum capacity compared to the current 3x3 MHz configuration, enabling more sophisticated applications like advanced metering infrastructure, distributed energy resource management and real-time grid monitoring.
The endorsement from multiple tier-1 utilities suggests strong commercial potential, as these organizations typically make technology investments with decades-long horizons. The ability to support higher bandwidth requirements future-proofs the network infrastructure, making it more attractive for utilities planning comprehensive grid modernization programs. This regulatory progress could accelerate Anterix's spectrum lease negotiations and potentially command premium valuations.
Utility-Telecom Industry Coalition Thanks FCC for its Leadership
WASHINGTON, Jan. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A broad coalition of utilities, trade associations, and the utility technology company Anterix (NASDAQ: ATEX) today expressed gratitude to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for its diligent work in developing and ultimately adopting the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to modify the 900 MHz rules. The proposed rules would provide the flexibility to grow the 900 MHz broadband segment from 3 MHz by 3 MHz to 5 MHz by 5 MHz.
After release of the NPRM, the FCC will seek Comments and Reply Comments in advance of a potential final Report & Order. This expansion is an option the FCC considered in its original rulemaking in 2020 modifying the 900 MHz rules when it approved the 3/3 MHz broadband segment, but, at the time, considered it premature. As the record demonstrates, expansion of the 900 MHz band to permit 5/5 MHz broadband will support growing demand for wide-area, private, and secure wireless broadband networks for utilities, critical infrastructure, and business enterprise entities, among other benefits.
“We applaud the FCC for its leadership and commitment to improving the operations and security of our nation’s evolving electric grid through the deployment of private LTE enabled by 900 MHz broadband spectrum,” said Utility Broadband Alliance Executive Director Bobbi Harris. “Critical communications capabilities are playing a key role in the grid’s ongoing evolution to support our nation’s resilient energy future, and today’s action by the Commission is an incredible step toward enhancing those benefits.”
“Today, enterprise organizations across 15 states already are deploying modern wireless 900 MHz broadband networks to support their evolving communications needs,” said Enterprise Wireless Alliance President and CEO Robin Cohen. “This NPRM provides the optionality of more broadband spectrum, as the growing 900 MHz movement can support future deployment of additional users and use cases in this communications evolution.”
“The foresight and stewardship demonstrated in this NPRM by outgoing Chairwoman Rosenworcel, incoming Chairman Carr, and Commissioner Simington and their staffs, as well as the staff that supports that leadership and those that perform vital work in the Wireless Bureau is greatly appreciated,” said Chris Guttman-McCabe, Chief Regulatory and Corporate Communications Officer at Anterix. “The FCC’s decision to advance the Petition submitted by ten organizations—Ameren, Enterprise Wireless Alliance, Evergy, Lower Colorado River Authority, Portland General Electric, San Diego Gas & Electric, Southern Company's Southern Linc, Utility Broadband Alliance, Xcel Energy, and Anterix—signals strong recognition of the 900 MHz private utility broadband movement’s vision and the capabilities of modern grid-enabling communications.”
The adoption of the NPRM is the next step in a proceeding endorsed by more than thirty organizations, including key utilities:
“Adopting a voluntary process to create a 5/5 MHz broadband option is exactly the right thing for the Commission to do today to help utilities prepare for the future, allowing them to pursue not only additional smart grid technologies, but also those with ever-greater bandwidth requirements.” – Ameren Corporation
“Access to broadband capabilities, and especially to the proposed expanded 5/5 MHz option in the 900 MHz band, promises to play a vital role in enabling utilities to design, install, and operate technically advanced networks that meet the expanding bandwidth needs of this industry.” – Evergy
“LCRA agrees that the ability to deploy an expanded 5/5 MHz broadband network will provide utilities with additional capacity to support grid modernization.” – Lower Colorado River Authority
“In addition to accommodating the growth in the volume of data generated by utility applications, the opportunity to deploy a 5/5 MHz broadband channel would also provide significant advantages over the current 3/3 MHz broadband allocation.” – Southern Linc
“Access to expanded 5/5 MHz broadband networks will provide utilities, such as Xcel Energy, with additional capacity to support 900 MHz pLTE broadband deployment with enhanced broadband communications capabilities. The ability to pursue a 5/5 MHz network would increase the options and opportunities for Xcel Energy to enhance cybersecurity and reliability for its operations and customers.” – Xcel Energy
Shareholder Contact
Natasha Vecchiarelli
Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications
Anterix
973-531-4397
nvecchiarelli@anterix.com
Media Contact
Paul Gaige
Vice President
Burson
504-957-1434
Paul.Gaige@burson.com
About Anterix
At Anterix, we partner with leading utilities and technology companies to harness the power of 900 MHz broadband for modernized grid solutions. Leading an ecosystem of more than 100 members, we offer utility-first solutions to modernize the grid and solve the challenges that utilities are facing today. As the largest holder of licensed spectrum in the 900 MHz band (896-901/935-940 MHz) throughout the contiguous United States, plus Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, we are uniquely positioned to enable private wireless broadband solutions that support cutting-edge advanced communications capabilities for a cleaner, safer, and more secure energy future. To learn more and join the 900 MHz movement, please visit www.anterix.com.
FAQ
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