NextNav Argues its Case for Lower 900 MHz Band

NextNav, a terrestrial GPS technology company, has addressed initial feedback from the tech industry regarding its petition to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for access to the lower 900 MHz band.

Filed in April, the petition seeks to increase the power level, bandwidth, and priority of NextNav’s licenses in the 902-907 and 918-928 MHz bands in the U.S. This spectrum is currently utilized by UHF RFID, Z-Wave, LoRa, and other wireless technologies. NextNav also aims to implement 5G connectivity over this bandwidth.

So far, 907 responses have been posted, including feedback from industry associations, tech firms, end users, and hobbyist developers. Although the initial comment period ended on September 5, follow-up comments are being accepted until September 20.

Most responses express concerns that the proposed changes would negatively impact “Part 15” devices already using the lower 900 MHz band, potentially disrupting services in sectors like healthcare, defense, aerospace, retail, and tolling.