Why the FCC Must Protect the Lower 900 MHz Band
The Lower 900 MHz band (902–928 MHz) is a vital portion of spectrum regulated under FCC Part 15. It supports a thriving ecosystem of unlicensed, low-power wireless devices used every day in alarm systems, medical alerts, smoke detectors, security panels, panic buttons, electronic access controls, and countless other technologies that safeguard homes, businesses, hospitals, and critical infrastructure.
These devices depend on the favorable propagation characteristics of the band, a strong building penetration, and reliable signal range. The current FCC rules ensure these systems can operate without interference, delivering essential life safety functions in emergency situations.
Now, this crucial spectrum is under threat.
NextNav has petitioned the FCC to reconfigure and license a 15 MHz portion of the Lower 900 MHz band to deploy a terrestrial-based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) network. Their proposal would split the band, enable high-powered broadband transmissions, and eliminate longstanding FCC requirements that prevent harmful interference to existing devices.
If granted, this proposal would force all current users of the band, including nearly 100 billion deployed devices, into roughly 40% of the current spectrum. It would flood the band with high-power traffic and remove critical testing and interference protections. The result? Widespread signal congestion, massive reliability degradation, and an ecosystem of devices rendered inoperable.
Imagine the consequences: a loved one presses their medical alert pendant, but the signal never reaches emergency responders. A school panic button fails to notify authorities. Security systems go silent when intrusion or smoke is detected. This is the real-world danger of allowing high-powered use in the Lower 900 MHz band.
The cost of replacing or reengineering these devices could reach billions of dollars. For many businesses and consumers, retrofitting is not feasible. Entire systems may need to be scrapped and replaced, shifting massive financial burdens onto end users and eroding long-standing consumer trust.
This is not just a technical issue; it’s a public safety crisis in the making.
The Electronic Security Association (ESA) members are united in opposition to the proposal. The current shared use framework supports innovation, affordability, and reliability. The FCC must preserve this balance. NextNav’s petition would destabilize a well-functioning regulatory environment and compromise mission-critical communications for the entire life safety sector.
We encourage businesses across the industry to get involved. If you rely on any security, life safety, or automation device that uses the 900 MHz band, this issue affects you. To learn more or to engage further, please reach out with questions or interest in advocacy efforts.
