The FCC's most recent attempts to clear the 700 MHz band for public safety and commercial channels received prompt applause from Verizon Wireless and CTIA.

The FCC on Friday adopted an Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, prohibiting the further distribution and sale of devices that operate in the 700 MHz band.

A press release said the action will help complete the DTV transition by clearing the 700 MHz band to enable the rollout of communications services for public safety and the deployment of next-generation 4G wireless devices for consumers.

Verizon Wireless said it appreciates the FCC's proactive stance on the matter. "That spectrum is vitally important to the development of new broadband services that will bring tremendous benefits to the public including advanced communications services for first responders," wrote Kathleen Grillo, Verizon's senior vice president of federal regulatory affairs, in a statement.

CTIA's President and CEO, Steve Largent, added the wireless association's thanks to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski. "The Order will help ensure that harmful interference does not hamper commercial wireless carriers' 4th generation deployment plans, which promise to increase mobile broadband availability and adoption, as well as create much needed jobs. The Order also will protect public safety from harmful interference that could jeopardize life-saving missions," Largent said in a statement.

The commission said it wanted to make it clear that no devices using this frequency may be sold or distributed.  In order to ensure that individuals and groups currently using unauthorized devices in the band have ample time to transition to appropriate frequencies, the FCC is providing a "sunset period" until June 12, 2010, one year from the DTV transition.