The 700 MHz band is an important swathe of spectrum available for both commercial wireless and public safety communications. The Band consists of 108 megahertz of spectrum running from 698-806 MHz and was freed up as a result of the Digital Television transition. The location of the 700 MHz Band -- just above the remaining TV broadcast channels -- give it excellent propagation characteristics. This allows the 700 MHz signals to penetrate buildings and walls easily and to cover larger geographic areas with less infrastructure (relative to frequencies in higher bands).
Since 2007, the FCC has worked toward establishing - in portions of the 700 MHz band - a nationwide, interoperable wireless broadband communications network that will benefit state, local and tribal public safety users. In addition, in 2008, the FCC auctioned licenses to use other portions of the 700 MHz Band for commercial purposes. Some mobile wireless service providers have since begun using this spectrum to offer mobile broadband services for smartphones, tablets, laptop computers, and other mobile devices.
