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The proceeding was launched to revisit and update various rules governing licensing for the 800 MHz cellular radiotelephone service. Most notably, the current site-based model for issuing licenses is under review, mindful of the evolution of this commercial wireless mobile service since its inception more than 30 years ago and the licensing models used for newer wireless telecommunications services.

On November 10, 2014, the FCC released a Report and Order (R&O) and a companion Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) to revise rules governing the 800 MHz Cellular Service. In the R&O, the FCC eliminated various regulatory requirements and streamlined requirements remaining in place, while retaining Cellular Service licensees’ ability to expand into an area that is not yet licensed. In the FNPRM, the FCC proposes and seeks comment on additional Cellular Service reforms of licensing rules and the radiated power rules, to promote flexibility and help foster the deployment of newer technologies such as LTE.