Nextel late Fri. accused other wireless carriers of ulterior moti...

to examine implications of both proposals. “A review of FCC licensing databases revealed that approximately 70% of the incumbent licensees at 2165--2180 MHz are cellular carriers, i.e., Verizon Wireless, Cingular Wireless, AT&T Wireless, Alltel, Sprint and US Cellular -- the most vocal proponents of assigning inferior replacement spectrum at 2.1 GHz to Nextel,” Nextel said: “Verizon and Cingular and AT&T Wireless alone hold licenses for approximately 40% of the microwave links, and this percentage holds true for each of the 3 potential 2.1 GHz replacement downlink blocks.” Nextel said CTIA, which urged giving Nextel 2.1 GHz spectrum 2 weeks ago, as well as Verizon Wireless, the original proponent of the plan, should have disclosed that other carriers own this spectrum. “It is beyond comprehension that CTIA and Verizon (the holder of more than 20% of incumbent microwave licenses at 2.1 GHz) failed to inform the Commission of these facts,” Nextel said. “The Commission is dependent on the candor and veracity of its licensees in its proceedings, as well as the associations that represent them. Pertinent factual omissions should not and must not be tolerated, particularly in public-safety related proceedings.” Nextel took particular umbrage at CTIA comments that Nextel would also benefit from the 2.1 GHz proposal: “CTIA’s comments are startling in their hubris, cynicism, and conceit… This information adds to the weight of evidence against CTIA’s proposal of 2.1 GHz replacement spectrum and the FCC should reject this proposal… The consensus plan remains the only solution before the FCC that proactively eliminates 800 MHz public safety radio interference and provides much-needed additional public safety spectrum at no cost to the American taxpayer.”