FCC revises 800 MHz rebanding standard

The Federal Communications Commission revised the standard for relocation costs Sprint Nextel Corp. must pay to public-safety licensees, a move aimed at improving a confusing and contentious 800 MHz rebanding effort designed to eliminate interference to first responder wireless systems.
The FCC said Sprint Nextel’s relocation expenditures may take into account what is necessary “to accomplish rebanding in a reasonable, prudent and timely manner,” in addition to being the “minimum necessary cost.” The agency said the modifications help clarify the language in the 800 MHz rebanding decision such that public-safety licensees must now certify the funds sought from Sprint Nextel representing the “minimum necessary cost” associated with the rebanding process.
“We applaud the FCC for this important ruling that should eliminate many of the disputes that are standing in the way of timely and efficient rebanding of 800 MHz public-safety systems,” said Wanda McCarley, president of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials International.
FCC Chairman Kevin Martin and the government agency’s four commissioners issued a joint statement saying they hope the ruling “will spur the parties to reorient their approach to this process.”
“While we are still reviewing the FCC’s order, Sprint is pleased that the Commission has responded to our request for additional flexibility in negotiating the costs related to the 800 MHz reconfiguration,” Sprint Nextel said in a statement. “We are optimistic this will help advance the initiative and look forward to continuing to work with all parties to complete the reconfiguration.”