FCC Takes Important Step Towards New Band Plan and Creation of Complement and Backup to GPS

Core Viewpoint - NextNav is seeking to reconfigure the Lower 900 MHz band to enable a terrestrial 3D positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) network that complements GPS and frees up 15 MHz of spectrum for 5G broadband [1][3]. Group 1: FCC Involvement - The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has released a public notice requesting comments on NextNav's spectrum solution in the Lower 900 MHz band, with comments due by September 5, 2024 [2]. - NextNav filed a rulemaking petition on April 16, 2024, to open proceedings for the reconfiguration of the Lower 900 MHz band [1][3]. Group 2: Company Statements - NextNav's CEO emphasized the importance of providing a backup to GPS for critical services, including emergency caller location and national security [2]. - The company aims to create more spectrum availability for wireless technology without incurring costs to taxpayers [2]. Group 3: Industry Context - NextNav is the primary geographic licensee in the Lower 900 MHz band and has developed significant PNT expertise and products [3]. - The current underutilization of the band is attributed to legacy band plans and rules, which the proposed reconfiguration seeks to address [3]. Group 4: Company Overview - NextNav Inc. specializes in next-generation PNT solutions, leveraging low-band licensed spectrum to deliver accurate and reliable 3D PNT services for various applications [4].