FCC Approves BAS Transition Sought by Sprint, Broadcasters
The FCC, as expected, approved without dissent an order giving Sprint Nextel until March 5, 2009, to clear broadcast auxiliary service from spectrum that mobile satellite service operators want (CD March 6 p5). Sprint Nextel immediately said it may take the FCC up on a suggestion that another extension may be needed. The Association of Maximum Service Television, NAB and the Society of Broadcast Engineers joined the company in that declaration.
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“Yesterday’s FCC Order indicates that the agency may award the Joint Parties additional time to complete the BAS relocation so long as all parties continue to work in good faith to move BAS above 2025 MHz as expeditiously as possible,” Sprint and the other parties said.
“The record illustrates many valid reasons why Sprint Nextel was unable to achieve timely relocation of the BAS incumbents,” the agency said: “Specifically, Sprint Nextel claims that the BAS transition has proven to be far more complicated than was first anticipated.” Broadcasters, gear makers and others substantiated that claim, the FCC said.
Sprint is breaking ground, the FCC said. “Based on our Emerging Technologies relocation principles,” the BAS transition involves “complexities that have not been encountered in the relocation of fixed microwave facilities,” the agency said.
“BAS relocation goes to the heart of localism and local broadcasting the ability to provide live local news coverage,” said MSTV President David Donovan. “MSTV is pleased the FCC acknowledged the tremendous effort that is necessary to relocate our electronic newsgathering operations. We will endeavor to meet the March 5, 2009 deadline.”