The FCC opened a comment cycle on a request by Nucentrix Spectrum...

on the reassignment of MMDS, Wireless Communications Service, microwave and Cable TV Relay Service licenses from Nucentrix to Nextel. Nucentrix in Sept. filed for Chapter 11 protection in U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Dallas. In a court- supervised auction, Nextel submitted a winning bid of $51 million for certain Nucentrix assets, including spectrum and tower leases. “The applicants assert that grant of the instant applications would serve the public interest by allowing Nextel to increase its spectrum capacity and offer new digital wireless services to customers, including those customers in rural areas,” the FCC public notice said. The companies also argued the deal wouldn’t have an adverse effect on competition because Nucentrix and Nextel compete in different product markets. Nucentrix has told the FCC it plans to end its broadband data service in the 2nd quarter, providing customers with at least 90 days’ notice. Nextel has said that “pending the resolution of the Commission’s MDS and ITFS rulemaking proceeding, it will continue to provide the video programming services currently provided by Nucentrix DIP [Debtor in Possession] and by those ITFS licensees that rely on common links,” the notice said.