Nextel Communications Inc. filed comments with the Federal Communications Commission that the carrier said demonstrates that the FCC has full legal authority to approve the radio spectrum realignment called for under its controversial 800 MHz spectrum Consensus Plan.
“Attempts that claim otherwise reflect a misunderstanding of the FCC’s authority to govern the public airwaves and divert attention away from the real issues at hand-bringing an end to radio interference at 800 MHz that continues to place the lives of public-safety professionals at risk,” Nextel said in a statement.
The company added that the Consensus Plan’s call for the exchange of spectrum in the 800 MHz bands for spectrum in the 1.9 GHz bands would be a modification of Nextel’s existing licenses as provided for by the FCC’s statutory authority to amend licenses.
A number of wireless carriers, as well as the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association, have voiced their concern over the Consensus Plan, claiming the 1.9 GHz spectrum should be awarded through an auction process.
