Nextel told FCC it opposed compromise plan floated by Multipoint ...

that if 2150-2162 MHz were reallocated for 3G, those licensees could be relocated to 1910-1916 and 1990-1996 MHz. But Nextel told Commission in Aug. 9 ex parte filing that would conflict with compromise plan recently offered for mitigating interference to public safety operators at 800 MHz. Public safety operators, group of private wireless licensees and Nextel last week submitted revised spectrum swap plan to FCC that would split 800 MHz band into 2 blocks, with public safety and business/industrial land transportation operators in one and Nextel in other (CD Aug 8 p1). Proposal called on FCC to redesignate 1910-1915/1990- 1995 MHz bands to Nextel in exchange for 700 MHz, 800 MHz and 900 MHz spectrum that carrier would return to FCC for reassignment to public safety and private wireless systems. “The 1910-1915/1990-1995 MHz bands are well suited to be replacement spectrum for Nextel, which would require no service rule changes to operate in these bands,” carrier said. “MDS, in contrast, would require significant rule changes that would essentially change MDS Channels 1 and 2 from fixed to mobile services.” Nextel cited recommendation in recent NTIA 3G viability assessment that only 45 MHz in 2.1 GHz band be reallocated to 3G, meaning “several new relocation options have opened up for MDS operators.” That now probably would require shift of only MDS Channel 1 from 2150-2156 MHz, filing said. Nextel is 2nd company recently to oppose MDS compromise plan at FCC. Late last week, ICO Global Communications said there was no basis for relocating 1990-1996 MHz to MDS in pending 3G spectrum reconfigurations (CD Aug 14 p3). ICO said MDS compromise plan would “wreak havoc” with 2 MHz mobile satellite service systems.