About Relocation > Background

Birth of 2 GHz Relocation for Sprint Nextel

In response to an interference problem to public safety systems in the 800 MHz spectrum band caused by the use of incompatible systems within adjacent channels, the FCC issued a decision on August 6, 2004 to resolve permanently the interference issue based on a proposal from public safety, private wireless licensees, and Nextel. On February 7, 2005, Nextel accepted the FCC's order, which includes several key points:

• Nextel must relinquish spectrum in 700 MHz and 800 MHz;

• In exchange, Nextel will receive new spectrum in the 2 GHz band.

As a result Nextel, per FCC requirements, agreed to fund and coordinate the relocation of broadcasters within the 2 GHz band (1990 - 2110 MHz).  Following the Sprint and Nextel merger in August 2005, Sprint Nextel assumed all of Nextel's 2 GHz relocation obligations.

Sprint Nextel's Responsibility

• In return for Sprint Nextel's 700 MHz and 800 MHz spectrum and financial contributions per the FCC's Order, the FCC will allocate 5 MHz at 1910 - 1915 MHz and at 1990 - 1995 MHz (within current 2 GHz Channel 1) to Sprint Nextel.
  
  
• Sprint Nextel is responsible for relocating incumbent broadcasters, including BAS, CARS, LTTS and others, operating within 1990 - 2110 MHz to 2025 - 2110 MHz.
  
  
• Sprint Nextel is responsible for responding to Federal government audit inquiries about how money has been spent to relocate broadcasters within the 2 GHz band.
   
  
• Sprint Nextel can commence service within each market as the channels are cleared.

Broadcaster Benefits

In May 2004, the NAB, MSTV, and Nextel (endorsed by the SBE) submitted a proposed relocation strategy that was largely incorporated into the 800 MHz Report & Order by the FCC.  This proposal, which was incorporated into the August 6th, 2004 decision, corrected earlier issues in the MSS proceeding and provided additional benefits to broadcasters.

In contrast to previous Report & Orders, broadcaster benefits include:

• The relocation process will proceed on a market-by-market basis, with market order being jointly determined by Sprint Nextel and broadcaster trade associations.
   
  
• Inter-market itinerancy and interference dependencies are mitigated through joint development of market relocation groups (Sprint Nextel and trade associations).
   
  
• No 2 GHz broadcaster will be required to relinquish spectrum before being relocated.