FCC Acts to Accelerate the Successful Conclusion of the 800 MHz Rebranding Process

The Federal Communications Commission streamlined rules and procedures to reduce administrative costs and accelerate the successful conclusion of its 800 MHz band reconfiguration program. In 2004, the FCClaunched its 800 MHz reconfiguration program, known as rebanding, to eliminate harmful interference to public safety radio systems and other licensees caused by Sprint and other commercial operators 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.  The FCC has now 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.