FCC wireless bureau signs off on 800 MHz transition administrator

The FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau has approved a team comprised of systems integrator Bearing Point, the law firm of Squire, Sanders & Dempsey, and radio spectrum consultancy Baseline Telecom, to act as transition administrator (TA) for the rebanding of 800 MHz airwaves.

A panel consisting of major stakeholders in the 800 MHz proceeding-including Nextel Communications, the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials, the Industrial Telecommunications Association, Southern LINC and the United Telecom Council-selected the TA, which will oversee the administrative and financial aspects of the reconfiguration, which will place Nextel and public-safety licenses in contiguous spectrum blocks within the 800 MHz band.

Currently, the spectrum held by Nextel and public-safety users in the band is interleaved, which has caused interference that has had an adverse effect on first responder communications nationwide. The FCC’s order calls for Nextel to pay at least $3.2 billion to reband all users in the 800 MHz band and contribute 8.5 MHz of spectrum-valued at $1.6 billion-to public safety in the 700 MHz and 800 MHz bands.