Private system owner cites lack of confidence in 800 MHz rebanding
Marnell Corrao Associates, Las Vegas, Nev., has told the FCC to look for “more positive, long-term solutions” to the 800 MHz interference problem than what rebanding the 800 MHz band might achieve.
Marnell Corrao constructs high-rise buildings and owns an 800 MHz two-way radio system to support its communications requirements. The company said that it had invested a great deal of time, money and effort in the system.
In reviewing comments submitted by others in the FCC’s WT Docket No. 02-55 proceeding to improve public safety communications and eliminate interference in the 800 MHz band, the company said that one thing is “extremely clear”: “There is no confidence among the experts that rebanding will eliminate the interference problems being experienced by public safety entities.”
In reading Motorola’s comment, Marnell Corrao concluded that the manufacturer does not believe that rebanding will solve the interference problem, and that coming from Motorola, that view is “telling.”
“The commission should not be quick to jump to a rebanding decision just to appear proactive in the process. In Marnell’s view, the comments have raised enough questions about the benefits of rebanding that the commission should abandon the idea. With a majority of land mobile experts questioning the viability of rebanding, it would be unwise to pursue the option any further. Although the comments did not provide a clear path to determining the correct solution, they certainly lead one to believe that rebanding is a costly and highly disruptive option that has no guaranteed results,” the construction company’s comment reads.
