What Are 700 MHz Spectrum Licenses? FCC Band Allocation Explained

The 700 MHz band (698–806 MHz) is prized spectrum in the United States, valued for its excellent propagation characteristics — 700 MHz signals travel farther and penetrate buildings better than higher frequencies. After the 2009 digital television transition freed this spectrum from analog TV broadcasts, the FCC auctioned most of it for commercial wireless use while reserving a significant portion for public safety.

The DTV Transition and 700 MHz Spectrum

Before 2009, analog television channels 52–69 occupied the 700 MHz band. When the US transitioned to digital television, these channels were cleared, freeing up 108 MHz of highly valuable spectrum. The FCC conducted major auctions — most notably Auction 73 in 2008 — to license this spectrum to commercial carriers.

Public Safety: FirstNet and Band 14

The upper 700 MHz band includes Band 14 (758–768 MHz / 788–798 MHz), reserved for the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet). FirstNet is the national broadband network for public safety — police, fire, EMS — built on AT&T's LTE infrastructure. FirstNet licenses are held by federal authorities and operated under contract with AT&T.

Commercial 700 MHz Licenses

Major wireless carriers — AT&T, Verizon, and others — hold 700 MHz licenses covering specific geographic license areas called Economic Areas (EAs) or Cellular Market Areas (CMAs). These licenses specify:

• The frequency block (A, B, C, D, or E block)
• The geographic license area
• The licensee and any lessee information
• Construction and buildout requirements

Looking Up 700 MHz Licenses

700 MHz licenses are searchable in the FCC ULS under various service codes, including commercial mobile radio services. Spectrum policy researchers, infrastructure investors, and wireless industry analysts regularly consult these records to understand who controls spectrum in specific markets and what buildout commitments they have made.