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Spectrum Spotlight

The FCC released a Public Notice, Friday May 27, 2005, announcing that reconfiguration of the 800 MHz band is to begin June 27, 2005. The reconfiguration will begin with non-NPSPAC channels in NPSPAC regions assigned to Wave 1*. The release date of this public notice also establishes the 18, 30 and 36 month reconfiguration benchmark dates by which Nextel must complete the relocation process.

Key points are as follows:

• Three-month voluntary negotiations are effective immediately and will end September 26, 2005. A three-month mandatory negotiation period will follow and end December 26, 2005.

• Effective immediately, a freeze has been placed on all 800 MHz applications for non-NPSPAC channels in Wave 1*. The freeze applies to:
• Stations located in NPSPAC regions in Wave 1*
• Adjacent regions within 70 miles of the border of regions in Wave 1*

• The freeze that affects Wave 1* will last until February 8, 2006, which is 30 working days after the date of completion of mandatory negotiations.

• The freeze imposed by the FCC excludes the following:
• Modification applications filed to implement 800 MHz reconfiguration will not be effected by the freeze.
• Modification applications that do not change or expand existing licensed stations coverage areas.
• Assignments/transfers of station licenses
• Renewal-only applications

• Nextel must complete reconfiguration of the 800 MHz band by designated benchmark dates as follows:
• Eighteen Month Benchmark:
• Relocation of all Nextel incumbent licensees (excluding Nextel and SouthernLINC) from channels 1-120 in the first 20 NPSPAC regions
• Initiation of retuning negotiations with all NPSPAC licensees in these same 20 regions by December 26, 2006
• Thirty Month Benchmark:
• Reconfiguration on all applicable systems must have commenced by December 26, 2007
• Thirty-six Month Benchmark:
• Reconfiguration of the 800 MHz must be completed by June 26, 2008

*See Regional Reconfiguration Plan and Corresponding Waves: www.thespectrumfirm.com/Spectrum%20Spotlight%20Special%20Edition.html

For information on this FCC Public Notice, 800 MHz relocation issues, other spectrum, licensing or related technical services issues,

contact Tina Jackson at (858) 484-8502 - tina.jackson@thespectrumfirm.com

www.thespectrumfirm.com