800 MHz Rebanding Initiative Supports Interference-Free Public Safety Communications

The Federal Communications Commission streamlined rules and procedures to reduce administrative costs and accelerate the successful conclusion of its 800 MHz band reconfiguration program, which was designed to enable public safety, critical infrastructure, and other licensees in the band to operate free of the interference that previously plagued first responder communications.

The rebanding process is now nearly complete, with over 2,000 licensees relocated to new channels in the band, and only 19 licensees yet to be relocated. In addition, the FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau previously determined that Sprint’s rebanding expenses exceeded the value of the 1.9 GHz spectrum, so no anti-windfall payment is required. As a result of these developments, the FCC adopted an Order that streamlines certain rules and procedures to expedite completion of the rebanding process. The FCC also sought comment on eliminating certain responsibilities of the Transition Administrator to help conclude this program.