The FCC Thursday approved an order allowing channels larger than...

spur investment in and deployment of wireless broadband networks and improve spectrum efficiency while benefitting consumers through increased access to advanced wireless services, including in rural, unserved, and underserved areas,” the FCC said in a statement. Wireless Bureau Chief Rick Kaplan said he “got some strange looks” when he asked that the order be slated for a vote at the May meeting. “They reminded me the item was fairly short and straightforward and in no way was it controversial,” Kaplan said. But the order also “demonstrates our unfailing commitment to doing everything that we can to eliminate rules that no longer make sense and that stand in the way of innovation and investment in consumer welfare,” he said. “This vigilance is essential.” The order also shows that the FCC can move quickly, putting out a rulemaking notice and wrapping up an order in just 76 days, Kaplan said. “While we are just beginning to sort through the complex issues associated with freeing up more spectrum for the longer term, I am pleased that we have taken another baby step today to allow wireless providers to take better advantage of the spectrum already available in the market,” said Commissioner Robert McDowell. Sprint hailed the decision. “Today’s unanimous vote by the FCC paves the way for Sprint and other 800 MHz licensees to deploy advanced 3G and 4G technologies in the band,” the company said. “Doing so will enable a better customer experience for consumers and a more efficient use of spectrum.” Holly Henderson, external affairs manager at SouthernLinc, said in an interview the order was also important to her company. “Its definitely relevant to SouthernLinc because we operate in the same spectrum band,” she said. “As we move off of iDEN technology, then we need this part of the rules clarified and eliminated so that we have flexibility.”