Reminder: November 29th Deadline for FCC Filing to Protect 12.7-13.25 GHz Broadcast Auxiliary/Cable Relay Licenses

We remind parties with 12.7 - 13.25 GHz (13 GHz") Broadcast Auxiliary/Cable Relay licenses that you have until November 29, 2023 to make a filing at the FCC to protect those licenses, as the FCC moves towards repurposing some or all of that band for other uses.

In a May 19, 2023 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the FCC proposed to repurpose some of the 13 GHz Band for use as mobile broadband. In that Notice, the Commission proposed to define certain incumbent operations entitled to protection or relocation during a transition period, based on the FCC's licensing records. For most Broadcast Auxiliary (BAS") and Cable Relay (CARS") licenses, the Commission proposed to limit eligibility for protected incumbent status to licenses for which the licensee has filed a required certification regarding the accuracy of the information on their licenses, and that the licenses remain in use. The only exception to this filing requirement is for BAS/CARS licenses filed for after January 1, 2021.

In a subsequent Public Notice, the FCC provided detailed instructions as to how to make the required filing in FCC databases. Entities with 13 GHz BAS or CARS licenses who seek to maximize the protection of those licenses should review the instructions in the Public Notice and file the required certification.

If you have questions about these requirements, or need assistance in filing, please contact us.