AT&T Wireless told the FCC it agreed with Verizon Wireless that i...

International, PCIA and others have backed a consensus plan that involves rebanding at 700, 800, 900 MHz and 1.9 GHz. AT&T Wireless told the FCC it still supported the so-called “balanced approach” for mitigating public safety interference at 800 MHz. But to the extent the FCC looks to spectrum rebanding options, AT&T Wireless said it should embrace the in-band proposal suggested by Verizon Wireless (CD Feb 27 p1). “The in-band realignment proposal provides for the same 800 MHz rebanding solution that public safety groups have sought as part of the consensus plan, without a 1.9 GHz spectrum giveaway to Nextel that violates Section 309(j) auction requirements and squanders a precious public resource,” it said. “The proposal provides for the necessary funding because the 800 MHz realignment alone would confer a significant increase in the value of Nextel’s 800 MHz spectrum holdings and the Commission has ample authority to direct Nextel to pay the realignment expenses.” Cingular took a similar position in an FCC filing last week. Meanwhile, Nextel told the FCC Fri. that instead of a “windfall” from the consensus plan, its commitments under the plan would be at least $2 billion more than the benefits it would receive (CD March 8 p8).