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Learn about the FCC decision on reconfiguring 800 MHz channels to address interference issues, costs coverage, and the process timeline for radio frequency changes. Find out how agencies can prepare and what steps are involved in this management-level review briefing.
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Part 3 in the APCO 800 ALERT Webinar Series 800 MHz REBANDING:A Management Level Review December 14, 2004 Robert M. Gurss Director, Legal & Government Affairs APCO International-Washington, DC (202) 833-3800, gurssr@apco911.org Telecommunications Attorney Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth, PLC (703) 812-0468, gurss@fhhlaw.com
WHAT IS “REBANDING” AND WHY DO WE NEED TO DO IT? • “Rebanding” involves changing frequencies for mobile/portable radio systems within the 800 MHz Band • Necessary due to severe interference problems caused by Nextel and other cellular systems • Rebanding will separate frequencies to prevent interference • Some agencies will not have to change frequencies
FCC DECISION: Adopted July 8, Released August 6 • Re-configures 800 MHz channel allocations to address interference • ALL implementation costs to be paid by Nextel • Additional 800 MHz Public Safety channels available • New interference rules
What does rebanding involve? • Most existing 800 MHz band radios can be “re-tuned” to new channels with a few minutes of technician time for each radio - some will require “flash” firmware upgrades • Transparent to end users in the field • Requires field radios to be “touched” at least once • Some older radios will need to be replaced
Nextel is required to pay all direct and indirect costs. Nextel will secure $2.5 billion to cover Payment can be direct to agency or direct to contractor, per contract Who Pays?
External and Internal Labor Parts New radios if required Frequency coordination Engineering/Legal Consultants What’s Covered?
How are costs/process determined? • Two options • Agencies prepare cost estimate and submit to FCC designated “Transition Administrator” (TA) that serves as intermediary with Nextel; or • Negotiate directly with Nextel, with agreement subject to TA/FCC approval and TA providing mediation if necessary • In either case, written contract necessary to define what is to done, when, how, by whom, and with what method of payment.
When does this all start? • The TA will establish a schedule by January 31 • Process is likely to begin mid-year • Completing rebanding for all licensees will take at least 3 years
What should my agency do now? • Inventory radios • Correct licenses if necessary • Consider need for consultants/attorneys • Consider in-house versus contractor
Where can I get more information? APCO 800 ALERT www.apcointl.org/frequency/800hp.htm
THANK YOU ROBERT M. GURSS Director, Legal & Government Affairs APCO International - Washington, DC (202) 833-3800; gurssr@apco911.org Of Counsel Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth, PLC (703) 812-0468, gurss@fhhlaw.com