WASHINGTON-The Federal Communications Commission last week opened up coordination of private-wireless services in the 800 MHz and 900 MHz bands to all frequency coordinators currently operating under 512 MHz.
“We told the [FCC] that if it elected to open the 800 and 900 MHz band for competition to one frequency advisory committee, we believed the channels should be opened to coordination among all of the FCC-certified FACs. ITA supports competition between coordinators. It drives down the costs of services to the consumers and increases the level of services available,” said J. Sharpe Smith, Industrial Telecommunications Association director of industry and public affairs.
The FCC’s decision was a result of a request by the United Telecom Council to become a coordinator in the 800 MHz and 900 MHz bands. The FCC granted the request, but also said ITA and Personal Communications Industry Association could coordinate in those bands. Additionally, it said other FACs have 45 days to say if they desire to coordinate in the 800 MHz and 900 MHz bands.
