WASHINGTON-Mobile-phone carriers, utilities, local governments and other businesses today urged the Federal Communications Commission to take a balanced approach to resolving interference to 800 MHz public safety communications by relying on best practices and technical solutions instead of overhauling the crowded frequency band.
“The proposal is believed to be much less expensive, less burdensome and far more in alignment with the commission’s spectrum policies than the Private Wireless Coalition plan now before the commission,” said the 800 MHz User Coalition in the FCC filing.
Nextel Communications Inc., responsible for significant disruption to 800 MHz public radio transmissions, wants the FCC to devote part of the 800 MHz band for cellular-like networks and another part for traditional, single antenna wireless systems.
The previously proposed Nextel plan would require many licensees-including Nextel-to move to other frequencies. In return, Nextel would donate $850 million to the relocation process and receive 10 megahertz of spectrum in the 1.9 MHz band.
The Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association and the United Telecom Council-a utilities trade group-are two major forces behind today’s 800 MHz filing. Yet CTIA is not listed as a member of the alternative 800 MHz coalition in the document filed this morning with the agency. The reason: inside politics.
Nextel has a lot to lose if the FCC sides with the latest industry proposal. Nextel President Tim Donahue is the outgoing chairman of CTIA. Sources said Donahue pushed to have CTIA’s 800 MHz position put to a vote next Wednesday at a board of directors meeting here.
Stakeholders are to meet behind closed doors with FCC officials later today.
