Private wireless operators asked FCC Chmn. Powell Tues. to delay ...

for upper and lower bands at 700 MHz (CD April 11 p1). Letter by 8 representatives of private land mobile radio services (PLMRS) cited comment period that Commission had opened for notice of proposed rulemaking that addressed interference experienced by public safety operators at 800 MHz. Private wireless community said several proposals “under preliminary discussion” involved retuning some incumbents 800 MHz licensees to 700 MHz band, including licenses covered by Ch. 60-69 auction. “While it is premature to assume that one of these proposals is the best course of action available, or the course of action the Commission ultimately will follow, it is equally premature to eliminate such proposals from consideration by going forward with the auctions on the scheduled date,” letter said. Groups said comment period for NPRM ends May 6, 2 days before short forms from auction participants are due at Commission. “It would be a disservice to thousands of 800 MHz incumbent licensees, and to the nation’s public safety needs, to allow the 700 MHz auction to proceed after interested PLMRS parties have expended extensive time and resources to devise a workable solution dependent on the availability of that spectrum,” letter said. Filing was signed by Aeronautical Radio Inc., American Assn. of Railroads, Forest Industries Telecommunications, Industrial Telecommunications Assn., frequency coordinator MRFAC, National Assn. of Mfrs., Small Business in Telecommunications, United Telecom Council. Groups said FCC appeared “eager to consider any and all reasonable solutions to 800 MHz public safety interference.” Saying that that was among themes raised at recent NTIA Spectrum Summit, letter said holding auction on current timeline could compromise “the Commission’s ability to meet that imperative.”