Protect the Lower 900 MHz Band

A portion of the 900 MHz spectrum from 902-928 MHz, known as the “Lower 900 MHz Band,” established under current Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules as a commons for all. This frequency range has been a catalyst for new technologies, where use does not require a special license if operated under FCC Part 15 rules. For years, these technologies have been able to coexist with licensees and thrive in the band, including a variety of low-power, radio frequency security and life safety devices such as consumer electronics and appliances, wireless alarm systems, smart home equipment, electronic access control devices and others.

A position, navigation and timing service company known as NextNav is urging the FCC to reallocate portions of the Lower 900 MHz band for its use, radically altering the spectrum and forcing existing users into roughly 40% of the band. Additionally, NextNav seeks to remove an FCC rule that has contributed to the thriving, innovative environment for unlicensed use of the band for decades, getting rid of a requirement that they not cause harmful interference to Part 15 devices.

In this resource, the Security Industry Association breaks down what the Lower 900 MHz Band is, the proposed changes to the band, how the NextNav proposal will affect security companies, the costs associated with it and the landscape of widespread opposition to the proposal.