Sprint Nextel Granted Spectrum-Swap Extension By FCC
The FCC originally requested that Sprint Nextel relinquish a part of the 800-megahertz spectrum on June 26, as part of an FCC plan to swap around frequencies to minimize interference between broadcasts. Sprint Nextel's deadline has now been extended until July 1, 2009.
The FCC decided to extend Sprint Nextel's deadline shortly after the FCC granted similar extensions to many public safety agencies across the U.S., which requested more time to change over to the new frequencies.
"We look forward to continuing to work with the public safety community and the FCC to ensure that reconfiguration is completed as quickly as possible without disruption to all involved," Sprint Nextel said in a statement Thursday.
On Wednesday, Sprint Nextel made another request of the FCC, asking for more time to vacate a different section of the 800-megahertz spectrum -- a section that is located between the two parts of the spectrum for the July 2009 swap, and works as a buffer zone for interference.