Industrial Telecom Assn. (ITA) asked FCC for additional 90 days t...

private wireless and communications industries as a result of this proceeding, as well as the volume of comments, is such that an extension of time is warranted,” ITA told FCC. It also cited substantial volume of initial comments (nearly 200) that NPRM had generated so far. Among options on which Commission has solicited comments is plan submitted by Nextel last fall that would reconfigure systems at 700, 800 and 900 MHz and 2.1 GHz, including additional spectrum for public safety. American Mobile Telecom Assn. (AMTA) said that while FCC ultimately might decide rebanding was needed to address interference, existing record wasn’t conclusive on that point. AMTA Pres. Alan Shark said his group thought that “we aren’t doing our members a service by coming up with a proposal when there is so much uncertainty about the technical underpinnings.” While much attention in proceeding has focused on Nextel White Paper last fall, Shark told us: “It’s the wrong thing to drive this.” Shark, who counts Nextel among AMTA’s members, said he would like to see 7 issues drive discussion: (1) Extent to which that was immediate problem and potential fixes to address interference at 800 MHz should address not just long-term ramifications but must “recognize that this is happening now.” (2) Need for “voluntary mediation” when public safety or private wireless enterprises find they can’t work out solution with interfering party. Neutral, 3rd parties could be part of pool in such cases that could make recommendations on fixes, Shark said. (3) Some reshuffling at 800 MHz. “Under any rebanding proposal, we need to pull something out of 800 MHz to come up with greenspace to make it happen,” he said, and process would have to account for extent to which equipment moves in that band would need to be done in “orderly” manner. (4) Consideration of moving Nextel out of 800 MHz. Shark said that while commercial wireless operators had expressed concern about part of Nextel proposal that would give carrier spectrum at 2.1 GHz without auction, he didn’t have problem with it. “It would leave some greenspace and take out some incredible congestion.” (5) Examination of filtering aspects of new equipment to address radiofrequency interference “on the front end.” (6) Longer term strategy that could include moving all of public safety at 700 MHz, although several conditions would be needed. Key would be to have date certain by which analog broadcasters would vacate spectrum as part of DTV transition, he said. Another condition would be postponement of current date for 700 MHz auction, which AMTA supports, Shark said. Another caveat would be that relocated operators would be given assurances equipment would be available for them in new band. (7) Guarantees of reimbursement for relocating incumbents. Shark said there was need for congressionally mandated national emergency telecom that could address that issue.