Spectrum Spotlight
October 7, 2005
More on Rebanding:
The FCC released a Public Notice, September 2, 2005, announcing that the reconfiguration will begin with non-NPSPAC channels (Stage 1) in Wave 2, will start October 3, 2005. Please see our website at www.thespectrumfirm.com under the Spectrum Spotlight Special Edition for a list of states affected by Wave 2. Due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, the TA has moved Louisiana from Wave 2 to Wave 3.
A three-month voluntary negotiation period began September 2nd, 2005 for Wave 2, Stage 1 licensees will end January 2, 2006. A three-month mandatory negotiation period will follow and end April 2, 2006.
The FCC has placed a freeze on filings of 800 MHz applications for non-NPSPAC channels in Wave 2. The freeze applies to stations located in all of the NPSPAC regions assigned to Wave 2 and to stations within seventy miles of the borders of the Wave 2 regions. The freeze does not apply to modification applications filed to implement 800 MHz band reconfiguration, modification applications filed that do not change an 800 MHz frequency or expand an 800 MHz stations existing coverage, assignments/transfers, or renewal-only applications.
To facilitate the 800 MHz reconfiguration process, the Commission has established new radio service codes for licenses that list 800 MHz band frequencies governed by Part 90 of the Commission's Rules. The FCC's Universal Licensing System (ULS) will automatically update modification applications filed to implement 800 MHz band reconfiguration to show the appropriate new radio service code. When the radio service code has been changed on the license by the FCC, licensees filing further applications concerning that license must use the new radio service code. Please reference the below link for a copy of the FCC Public Notice that includes a list of new radio service codes.
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-05-2390A1.pdf
The TA announced in a press release, dated September 27, 2005, that the three-month mandatory negotiation period for Wave 1, Stage 1 began September 27th in the National Public Safety Planning Advisory Committee (NPSPAC).
Wave 1 licensees are in the NPSPAC regions covering areas that include much of the Northeastern United States, Northern California, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Colorado and regions around the greater Chicago area. Stage 1 licensees are also known as Channel 1-120 licensees, and currently operate in the 806-809 MHz/851-854 MHz band.
On other FCC Issues:
The FCC's Universal Licensing System (ULS) Autogrant process continues to have difficulties and has been temporarily discontinued. The Commission is currently trying to resolve the problem. These and other ULS problems have been brought on by the FCC's changes to the Form 601 Application form.
For more information on 800 MHz Rebanding or other issues, we are here and ready to help.
Contact Tina Jackson at (858) 484-8502 / tina.jackson@thespectrumfirm.com
