---
kind: "section"
citation: "47 U.S.C. § 1454"
title: "47"
title_heading: "Telecommunications"
number: "1454"
heading: "Guard bands and unlicensed use"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/47/1454"
units:
  - "Chapter 13 — Public Safety Communications and Electromagnetic Spectrum Auctions"
  - "Subchapter IV — Spectrum Auction Authority"
---

# §1454. Guard bands and unlicensed use

- (a) **In general—** Nothing in subparagraph (G) of [section 309(j)(8) of this title](/usc/47/309.md?p=j-8) or in [section 1452 of this title](/usc/47/1452.md) shall be construed to prevent the [Commission](/usc/47/1401.md?p=11) from using relinquished or other spectrum to implement band plans with guard bands.
- (b) **Size of guard bands—** Such guard bands shall be no larger than is technically reasonable to prevent harmful interference between licensed services outside the guard bands.
- (c) **Unlicensed use in guard bands—** The [Commission](/usc/47/1401.md?p=11) may permit the use of such guard bands for unlicensed use.
- (d) **Database—** Unlicensed use shall rely on a database or subsequent methodology as determined by the [Commission](/usc/47/1401.md?p=11).
- (e) **Protections against harmful interference—** The [Commission](/usc/47/1401.md?p=11) may not permit any use of a guard band that the [Commission](/usc/47/1401.md?p=11) determines would cause harmful interference to licensed services.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 112–96, title VI, § 6407, Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 231.)