*Pages 1--67 from Microsoft Word - 45784.doc* Federal Communications Commission FCC 04- 294 Before the Federal Communications Commission Washington, D. C. 20554 In the Matter of Improving Public Safety Communications in the 800 MHz Band Consolidating the 800 and 900 MHz Industrial/ Land Transportation and Business Pool Channels Amendment of Part 2 of the Commission’s Rules to Allocate Spectrum Below 3 GHz for Mobile and Fixed Services to Support the Introduction of New Advanced Wireless Services, including Third Generation Wireless Systems Petition for Rule Making of the Wireless Information Networks Forum Concerning the Unlicensed Personal Communications Service Petition for Rule Making of UT Starcom, Inc., Concerning the Unlicensed Personal Communications Service Amendment of Section 2.106 of the Commission’s Rules to Allocate Spectrum at 2 GHz for use by the Mobile Satellite Service ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) WT Docket 02- 55 ET Docket No. 00- 258 RM- 9498 RM- 10024 ET Docket No. 95- 18 SUPPLEMENTAL ORDER AND ORDER ON RECONSIDERATION Adopted: December 22, 2004 Released: December 22, 2004 By the Commission: Commissioner Copps concurring and issuing a separate statement; Commissioner Adelstein issuing a separate statement. TABLE OF CONTENTS Heading Paragraph # I. INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................................. 1 II. BACKGROUND.................................................................................................................................... 4 III. DISCUSSION ........................................................................................................................................ 8 A. Nextel’s 700 MHz Guard Band Spectrum ....................................................................................... 8 B. Nextel’s Acknowledgement............................................................................................................. 9 C. Letter of Credit............................................................................................................................... 10 1. Background ............................................................................................................................. 11 2. Structure of the Letter of Credit .............................................................................................. 12 1 Federal Communications Commission FCC 04- 294 2 a. Draws to Cover Costs Relating to Each Incumbent Relocation ....................................... 12 b. Multiple Letters of Credit ................................................................................................. 20 3. Appropriate Qualifications for the Letter of Credit Trustee.................................................... 21 4. Other Circumstances Under Which Letter of Credit Trustee Could Draw Funds................... 23 5. Reversion of Letter of Credit Funds........................................................................................ 24 D. Letter of Cooperation from Affiliates ............................................................................................ 27 E. Calculation of Credit for 800 MHz Spectrum Relinquished by Nextel ......................................... 28 F. Interference Mitigation .................................................................................................................. 37 1. Signal Strength Threshold for Interference Protection............................................................ 37 2. Interference Resolution Procedures......................................................................................... 46 G. Band Reconfiguration Mandatory Schedule.................................................................................. 51 1. Eighteen- Month Benchmark (Former General Category Channels 1- 120)............................. 51 H. Secondary, Mobile- Only Operations ............................................................................................. 56 I. Licensing Issues ............................................................................................................................. 57 1. General Category Pool. ........................................................................................................... 60 2. Public Safety Pool. .................................................................................................................. 63 3. Business/ Industrial/ Land Transportation (B/ ILT) Pool........................................................... 66 4. SMR Pool (Non- cellular) ........................................................................................................ 67 J. Cost Responsibility ........................................................................................................................ 69 1. Nextel Retuning....................................................................................................................... 69 2. Transactional Costs ................................................................................................................. 70 K. Payment Authorization and Auditing ............................................................................................ 71 L. Relocation Negotiations................................................................................................................. 73 M. Relocating EA Licensees ............................................................................................................... 75 N. CMRS Relocation to the Guard Band............................................................................................ 85 O. 800 MHz Application Freeze......................................................................................................... 87 P. Nextel’s 900 MHz Operations ....................................................................................................... 88 Q. Applications During the Transition Period .................................................................................... 89 R. Comments Outside the Scope of the Public Notice ....................................................................... 90 IV. CONCLUSION .................................................................................................................................... 91 V. PROCEDURAL MATTERS................................................................................................................ 92 A. Supplemental Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis ..................................................................... 92 B. Paperwork Reduction Act Analysis ............................................................................................... 96 VI. ORDERING CLAUSES....................................................................................................................... 97 APPENDIX A: FINAL RULES APPENDIX B: ILLUSTRATIVE FORM OF LETTER OF CREDIT I. INTRODUCTION 1. On July 8, 2004, we adopted technical and procedural measures to address the ongoing and growing problem of interference to public safety communications in the 800 MHz band. 1 In the 800 MHz R& O, we concluded that a Commission- derived plan comprised of both long- term and short- term components represented the most effective solution to the public safety interference problem in the 800 MHz band. We addressed the ongoing interference problem over the short- term by adopting technical 1 See Improving Public Safety Communications in the 800 MHz Band, WT Docket 02- 55, Report and Order, Fifth Report and Order, Fourth Memorandum Opinion and Order, and Order, 19 FCC Rcd 14969 (2004) as amended by Erratum, DA 04- 3208, 19 FCC Rcd 19651 (2004) and Erratum, DA 04- 3459, rel. Oct. 29, 2004 (800 MHz R& O). 2 Federal Communications Commission FCC 04- 294 7 7. Since release of the 800 MHz R& O, we have received ex parte communications and comments responsive to a Public Notice issued on October 22, 2004. 15 Our review and analysis of this supplemental record, and our independent review of the 800 MHz R& O, form the basis for the actions we take herein as we continue to advance our goals in this proceeding. III. DISCUSSION A. Nextel’s 700 MHz Guard Band Spectrum 8. We reiterate our decision in the 800 MHz R& O to accept Nextel’s surrender of its current 700 MHz Guard Band spectrum rights in forty- two markets. 16 Although we believe it was implicit in the 800 MHz R& O that Nextel, in relinquishing its Guard Band spectrum would submit the related licenses for cancellation, 17 we have been asked to clarify that this will be the case. 18 Accordingly, we are ordering Nextel to submit its 700 MHz Guard Band licenses for cancellation within thirty days of publication of this Order in the Federal Register. 19 B. Nextel’s Acknowledgement 9. Paragraph 87 of the 800 MHz R& O requires Nextel to file an acknowledgment to ensure that “the public is protected against potential claims by Nextel relating to any 800 MHz reconfiguration costs that it chooses to incur.” 20 Such an acknowledgement must provide, in relevant part, that Nextel shall acknowledge that “it has studied the law and the facts and has made its own estimate of the risks that implementation of the Order may be delayed by judicial review and the Order may, in fact, be declared invalid” and that “it has accepted the risk of delay and invalidity and that, therefore, it cannot recover its costs or any damages associated with implementation or non- implementation of the Order from the Commission or any government entity.” 21 In response to an inquiry from Nextel, 22 we clarify that the quoted paragraph specifically means that, in the event a court invalidates the 800 MHz R& O, Nextel would be barred from bringing a civil action against the government to recover the costs it had incurred up to that point in implementing 800 MHz band reconfiguration, or otherwise seek redress from the government for any claimed injury arising from Nextel’s actions taken in connection with the 800 MHz 15 See n. 5, supra. 16 See 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 15080 ¶ 208- 209. We correct a typographical error in the 800 MHz R& O to the effect that Nextel would surrender 700 MHz guard band spectrum in forty markets. See 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 15009 ¶ 61, 15080 ¶ 208. Our licensing records reveal that Nextel holds 700 MHz Guard Band spectrum in forty- two markets. 17 See 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 14977- 78 ¶ 12, 15080, ¶¶ 208- 209. 18 See Letter, from Kathleen Wallman, to Marlene Dortch, Secretary, Federal Communications Commission, dated Sep 20, 2004. 19 Nextel shall return all of its 700 MHz Guard Band licenses to the Commission by filing cancellation requests in the Universal Licensing System (ULS). As noted above, this spectrum will not be available for licensing until the Commission decides through a rulemaking proceeding how it should be licensed. 20 See 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 15021 ¶ 87. 21 Id. 22 Nextel Sep. 23 Ex Parte at 2. 7 Federal Communications Commission FCC 04- 294 8 R& O. It does not mean that, in such instance, that Nextel and the other affected parties, including, without limitation, the Commission, must continue to perform their respective obligations under the 800 MHz R& O. C. Letter of Credit 10. In this section, we modify the letter of credit provisions in the 800 MHz R& O in three respects, as discussed more fully below. First, the letter of credit will serve as a security against default, and will not constitute the corpus of band reconfiguration funds absent a default. Second, we will allow up to ten financial institutions to issue the letter or letters of credit, provided one of such institutions is designated as the agent for all institutions. Third, we will consider waiver of the conflict of interest provisions governing the Trustee, so as to provide a procedural means for allowing the Trustee to have de minimis interests which, otherwise could be viewed as a conflict of interest. We make these changes in response to information provided by Nextel and derived from its discussions with entities which may issue the letters of credit, or serve as the Letter of Credit Trustee. 23 In making these changes, we perceive no conflict with our basic objective of ensuring that funds will be available to complete band reconfiguration even in the event of a change in Nextel’s financial condition, including bankruptcy. 24 1. Background 11. The 800 MHz R& O requires Nextel to “provide an irrevocable letter of credit securing $2.5 billion.” 25 It envisions that the letter of credit “will serve as the funding source for the costs involved in reconfiguring the 800 MHz systems for non- Nextel licensees and possibly as the source of any payment to the United States Treasury.” 26 The 800 MHz R& O also provides that “only one financial institution, acceptable to the Commission, issue the letter of credit.” 27 It also states that the letter of credit “shall specify a [T] rustee, acceptable to the Commission, as the beneficiary, which [trustee] shall administer the funds from the letter of credit and receive the funds from the letter of credit in the event of a Nextel default. 28 Among other things, “the Trustee will draw upon the letter of credit those funds necessary to accomplish band reconfiguration.” 29 The 800 MHz R& O further provides that “Nextel and the Letter of Credit Trustee shall formalize the terms of their relationship with a written contract and/ or trust deed, drafts of which shall be submitted for Commission final review and approval.” 30 The appendix to the 800 MHz R& O contains “an outline of key terms [of the contract] envisaged by the Commission,” 31 including a representation and warranty by the Letter of Credit Trustee (Trustee) that it “meets the qualifications set 23 See Nextel Sep. 23 Ex Parte. 24 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 14987 ¶ 30. 25 Id. at 15067 ¶ 182, 15121- 22 ¶ 325. 26 Id. 27 Id. at 15067 ¶ 182. 28 Id. at 15068 ¶ 184. 29 Id. at 15067- 68 ¶ 183. 30 Id. 31 Id. at 15068 n. 496. 8 Federal Communications Commission FCC 04- 294 10 14. The only commenting parties that addressed this issue oppose Nextel’s proposed modifications. 38 They believe the modifications would provide Nextel a superior negotiating position when negotiating relocation agreements with incumbents. 39 Specifically, these parties argue that relegating the letter of credit to a stand- by source of funding permits Nextel to gain concessions from licensees by promising faster, direct payment lower than their true costs. 40 15. As an initial matter, we disagree that Nextel’s payment obligations should be triggered by receipt of an invoice for retuning work. The 800 MHz R& O contemplates that incumbents will obtain an advance estimate of retuning costs and present that estimate to the Transition Administrator or Nextel. Upon approval of the estimate, funds would be disbursed and the work would commence. Thereafter, an invoice, and the required certifications, would be presented to the Transition Administrator and any upward or downward adjustments would be made. 41 The process apparently contemplated by Nextel would involve reimbursement of reconfiguration costs an incumbent already incurred. We emphasize here that incumbents should incur no costs for band reconfiguration, and that the sole responsibility for paying all band reconfiguration costs— including the cost of preparing the estimate, negotiating the retuning agreement, and resolving any disputes— lies with Nextel. 16. We agree that Nextel should have a commercially reasonable period to satisfy a payment obligation directly. However, given the importance of abating unacceptable interference to public safety systems, and the speed of modern banking and accounting technology, we believe that funds should be provided as soon as practicable, and in no event in more than thirty days. While we recognize that timing of payments may be a factor in relocation negotiations, we believe that incumbent licensees, especially when the Transition Administrator serves as an intermediary, are fully capable of incorporating the time value of money into their negotiation strategies. 17. Accordingly, if Nextel fails to honor a payment obligation within thirty days, the Transition Administrator will consider whether facts or circumstances exist such that it is reasonable for Nextel not to honor the obligation. If ten days after the thirty- day period has run (i. e. forty days following the initial payment obligation), the Transition Administrator determines that no good causes existed for Nextel to fail to honor the payment obligation, the Transition Administrator will notify the Letter of Credit Trustee of the amount that Nextel owes and that the Trustee must draw this amount from the letter of credit. The Trustee must draw this amount from the letter of credit within thirty days of this notification (seventy days from the initial payment obligation). We stress that we expect Nextel to honor its payment obligations in a timely fashion and do not anticipate frequent use of the procedures set forth in this paragraph. 18. We note that the Transition Administrator, after receiving Commission concurrence, may direct the Trustee to make periodic (e. g., quarterly) reductions in the letter of credit to account for such direct payments that Nextel may make. The details of both the direct payment and the letter of credit reduction procedures should be set forth in the agreement among Nextel, the Transition Administrator, 38 See Comments of the United Telecom Council, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and the American Water Works Association on the Public Notice, filed December 3, 2004 at 7- 8. 39 Id. at 7. 40 Id. 41 See 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 15074 ¶ 198. 10 Federal Communications Commission FCC 04- 294 11 and the Trustee (a draft of which is found at Appendix E- Annex E of the 800 MHz R& O), the final version of which shall be submitted to the Commission for review and approval. 42 However in no event shall the value of the Letter of Credit fall below $850 million. We hereby delegate to the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, in consultation with the Commission’s Office of General Counsel, the authority to conduct such review and approval. 19. In sum, we anticipate that Nextel will, in fact, pay relocation costs directly and that— from the standpoint of securing funds for complete band reconfiguration— this payment procedure will be at least equivalent to having the Trustee draw the funds directly from the letter of credit. However, if Nextel fails to pay a legitimate relocation cost then the Trustee must draw from the letter of credit. We wish to emphasize that this payment process does not affect the thirty- six month deadline for completion of band reconfiguration— a fact that provides Nextel incentive to satisfy its financial obligations in a timely fashion. Finally, we reiterate our statement in the 800 MHz R& O, that, regardless of the letter of credit provisions herein, Nextel is unconditionally liable for payment of the full cost of band reconfiguration and clearing of the 1.9 GHz spectrum, including BAS relocation. 43 b. Multiple Letters of Credit 20. In an ex parte presentation, Nextel stated that, “due to the size of the [letter of credit], and based on its discussions with the prospective lenders, it would be difficult, if not impossible, for the LOC to be issued by a single financial institution as contemplated by the R& O.” 44 Nextel suggested that “the Commission’s objectives could be achieved by having one or more letters of credit totaling $2.5 billion issued by a number of financial institutions, with each institution separately responsible for a proportionate share of the $2.5 billion LOC amount.” 45 Nextel subsequently clarified that “it anticipates that no more than ten financial institutions would be issuing such letters of credit.” 46 Nextel also stated that “the [letter of credit] arrangements could be structured to provide for the designation of a single agent to act on behalf of each of the issuing financial institutions.” 47 We believe that the changes requested by Nextel can be accommodated consistent with our concern that funds remain available for completion of 800 MHz band reconfiguration independent of the financial condition of Nextel. Accordingly, we will allow up to ten financial institutions to be parties to the credit agreement pursuant to which the letters of credit are issued, so long as: (a) each such institution meets the qualifications for the issuer of the letter of credit as specified in the 800 MHz R& O; (b) the issuing institutions designate a single agent to act on their behalf; and c) that each such institution is responsible to the trustee. 3. Appropriate Qualifications for the Letter of Credit Trustee 21. Nextel has recommended that “the Commission clarify that an entity will be deemed to be 42 Id. at 15068 ¶ 184. 43 Id. at 14977- 78 ¶¶ 12- 13, 14987 ¶¶ 29- 30, 15064- 15065 ¶¶ 177- 179. 44 Nextel Sep. 23 Ex Parte at 1. 45 Id. 46 Nextel Oct. 1 Ex Parte at 1. 47 Id. 11 Federal Communications Commission FCC 04- 294 13 4. Other Circumstances Under Which Letter of Credit Trustee Could Draw Funds 23. Nextel seeks clarification of the statement in the 800 MHz R& O that “[ o] n the occasion of a material breach by Nextel of its obligations hereunder, as declared by the Commission, [the] Trustee shall be entitled to draw on the letter of credit as specified in such instrument.” 52 Nextel requests that the provision be “clarified” to state that “the Trustee will be empowered to draw on the [letter of credit] only in instances in which Nextel fails to pay required incumbent retuning costs . . . or in the event of a material breach of Nextel’s financial obligations in carrying out 800 MHz band reconfiguration, i. e., if Nextel (1) files for bankruptcy protection, or (2) fails to make a payment to the U. S. Treasury within 30 days of the issuance of the Public Notice as described in paragraph 330 of the [Order].” 53 Nextel also requests that it “have 30 days to cure any such apparent breach before the Trustee is empowered to draw on the [letter of credit].” 54 We decline to limit the definition of “material breach” in the manner which Nextel suggests. 5. Reversion of Letter of Credit Funds 24. In its ex parte, Nextel requests that the Commission confirm Nextel’s understanding that it will be able to “terminate the [letter of credit], and receive any funds remaining in the [letter of credit] trust account, after band reconfiguration is complete and after the financial reconciliation process set forth in the R& O is complete (including any payments to the U. S. Treasury).” 55 Specifically, Nextel asks us to clarify that if Nextel fails to make any of the payment owed to the Treasury by the date specified in the 800 MHz R& O and the corpus of the letter of credit trust( s) becomes forfeit to the United States Treasury, the amount of any such forfeiture shall not exceed the amount owed to the United States Treasury by Nextel and any remaining amounts after such forfeiture shall be paid to Nextel. 56 25. We believe that the reversion of the Letter of Credit funds to Nextel, in the circumstances described was implicit in the 800 MHz R& O. However, we hereby clarify that if Nextel fails to make any of the payment owed to the Treasury by the date specified in the 800 MHz R& O and the corpus of the letter of credit trust( s) becomes forfeit to the United States Treasury, the amount of any such forfeiture shall consist of the corpus of the trust( s), less the “Overage.” We define “Overage” as any portion of the corpus of the trust( s) that (a) remains after the 800 MHz relocation is complete, and (b) exceeds the aforementioned payments owed to the Treasury. Once any Overage has been determined, the letter( s) of credit may be terminated by Nextel, but only after the Treasury has received the forfeited funds referenced herein. 26. However, we also take this opportunity to make it clear that all of Nextel’s obligations hereunder are not limited to the sums available from the Letter of Credit. For example, if the corpus of the Letter of Credit were somehow inadequate to fund payment of Nextel’s obligations to the Treasury, Nextel would nonetheless remain liable for the full amount due to the Treasury. We also reiterate our decision in the 800 MHz R& O that in the event that the requisite border area agreements are not reached 52 Nextel Oct. 13 Ex Parte at 2, citing 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 15068 ¶ 184. 53 Id. 54 Id. 55 Nextel Oct. 13 Ex Parte at 2. 56 Id. 13 Federal Communications Commission FCC 04- 294 14 within thirty- six months of the release date of the Public Notice announcing the start of reconfiguration of the first NPSPAC Region, Nextel shall elect to extend the life of the Letter of Credit or secure a separate Letter of Credit for a sum of money equal to that which would have been incurred had the Commission band plan been implemented along the borders without regard to international agreements. 57 D. Letter of Cooperation from Affiliates 27. In the 800 MHz R& O, we require Nextel to obtain commitments to cooperate in band reconfiguration from entities that are “connected in any way” to Nextel. 58 Our intent in requiring such a commitment was to foreclose the possibility that entities such as Nextel Partners, Inc., a subsidiary of Nextel could disclaim responsibility for retuning its systems to implement band reconfiguration. 59 However, the term “connected” may be overly expansive in this context and arguably could be construed to include, e. g., independent companies with which Nextel has “roaming agreements” but no ownership interest or control. 60 We now clarify that we did not intend such an expansive definition but rather desired Nextel or its successors or assigns to provide the Commission with letters demonstrating commitments from its corporate partners, subsidiaries, or affiliates (including any 800 MHz system operators in which Nextel has an ownership interest). 61 E. Calculation of Credit for 800 MHz Spectrum Relinquished by Nextel 28. The 800 MHz R& O contains a detailed set of calculations, to be applied at the conclusion of band reconfiguration, to determine whether the combination of (1) costs incurred by Nextel during band reconfiguration, and (2) the value of 800 MHz spectrum surrendered by Nextel, are equal to the value of the 1.9 GHz spectrum rights that Nextel will receive. The order provides that if the combined credits and offsets are less than the value of the 1.9 GHz spectrum, Nextel will pay the difference in the form of a “true- up” payment to the United States Treasury. 62 Thereby, the public achieves the benefits of band reconfiguration without forfeiting a disproportionate amount of the value of the 1.9 GHz spectrum. In formulating these calculations, it was necessary for us to assess the amount of 800 MHz spectrum currently held by Nextel and the value thereof. In the 800 MHz R& O, the Commission assigned a cumulative value of $1.607 billion to the General Category (GX), interleaved, and contiguous 800 MHz spectrum below 817/ 862 MHz being given up by Nextel. 63 While Nextel does not challenge the Commission’s methodology, in ex parte filings submitted to the Commission, Nextel contends that the Commission underestimated the actual MHz- population coverage of Nextel’s spectrum, and that the resulting $1.607 billion figure is therefore too low. 64 57 See 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 15064 n. 471. 58 See 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 15121- 22 ¶ 325. 59 See, e. g., Aug. 19 Nextel Ex Parte at 1; Sep. 16 Nextel Ex Parte at 1; Sep. 23 Nextel Ex Parte at 2. 60 Roaming agreements are agreements between wireless carriers that allow one company’s subscribers to use their phones on the other wireless carrier’s network. 61 E. g., Nextel Partners and Nextel International. 62 See 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 15118- 209 ¶¶ 318- 322. 63 Id. at 15118- 209 ¶¶ 318- 322. 64 See generally Sep. 21 st Nextel Ex Parte. 14 Federal Communications Commission FCC 04- 294 15 29. In the 800 MHz R& O, the Commission determined the MHz- pops value of 800 MHz spectrum based on the available information presented in the record on this issue, as well as information in its licensing database. 65 To determine the amount (in megahertz) of GX and interleaved spectrum to be credited to Nextel, the Commission reviewed Nextel’s 800 MHz license holdings in eleven major markets, and derived an average bandwidth figure from this market sample. 66 The Commission then multiplied each bandwidth figure by 234 million in population, which was the population coverage figure for Nextel’s spectrum provided in the Kane- Reece valuation report submitted by Verizon. 67 Although Nextel contended that its 800 MHz spectrum provided full nationwide population coverage, the Commission concluded that multiplying the average bandwidth figures by a nationwide population figure would yield an inflated MHz- pop calculation because this did not sufficiently account for the presence of non- Nextel incumbents on GX and interleaved spectrum. The Commission, therefore, used the lesser Kane- Reece population figure, which was the only other available figure in the record. 30. In an August 30, 2004 ex parte filing, Nextel contended that its GX and interleaved license holdings covered virtually the entire nationwide population, and that the Commission should therefore have used a nationwide population figure of approximately 286 million rather than 234 million in its calculation, without changing the bandwidth or any other variable in the valuation formula. Based on this approach, Nextel initially proposed that the $1.607 billion credit for 800 MHz spectrum be increased by $738 million to a total of $2.345 billion. In a subsequent ex parte filing dated September 21, 2004, however, Nextel lowered its proposed credit adjustment based on a far more granular market- by- market analysis of 800 MHz spectrum held by Nextel and its affiliate, Nextel Partners. 68 31. In its analysis, Nextel individually surveyed its licensed 800 MHz spectrum holdings in each of 3,219 U. S. counties, plus incorporated cities not included in a county. For each market, Nextel then took the population of the market, based on 2000 Census data, and calculated the specific number of usable GX, interleaved SMR, interleaved Business and I/ LT, and 800 MHz contiguous channels held by Nextel or by Nextel Partners that covered the market. 69 Using this data, Nextel derived a revised set of MHz- pops figures for each spectrum category, and then applied to the MHz- pop figures for each category 65 See 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 15115- 21 ¶¶ 307- 323. 66 The megahertz amount derived for the GX band was 5.12 megahertz, and the megahertz amount for the interleaved bands was 3.76 megahertz. See 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 15119- 20 ¶¶ 319, 322. 67 The Commission multiplied the MHz- pop figure for the GX band (5.12 megahertz x 234 million pops) by $1.70, which was the baseline MHz- pop value derived for both 1.9 GHz and 800 MHz spectrum. For the interleaved spectrum, the Commission multiplied the MHz- pop figure (3.76 megahertz x 234 million pops) by $1.49, which was the discounted value used based on the interleaved nature of the band. 68 Sep. 21 st Nextel Ex Parte at 2- 3. 69 To determine the number of usable licensed channels in a market, Nextel assumed the presence of a hypothetical cell at the population center indicated by U. S Census data for that market, subject to Part 90 co- channel short- spacing rules and incumbent protection requirements. The operating parameters of that cell were assumed to be typical for an iDEN base station, i. e., (1) ground elevation using thirty meter resolution terrain data; (2) antenna height of sixty feet above ground; and (3) effective radiated power of fifty watts using an omni- directional antenna. If the 22 dBµV/ M contour of the model cell fit within Nextel/ Nextel Partners’ existing footprint for the subject channel (i. e., the model cell’s contour would not extend beyond the composite 22 dBµV/ M footprint of Nextel/ Nextel Partners’ EA licenses and individual site licenses), then the subject channel was deemed “usable” and counted towards Nextel’s bandwidth figure for that market. 15 Federal Communications Commission FCC 04- 294 16 the MHz- pops formulas that were used in the 800 MHz R& O (i. e., $1.70 per MHz- pop for contiguous and GX spectrum, $1.49 per MHz- pop for interleaved spectrum), yielding the results in the table below: MHz POPs Value MHz POP Actual Value NPSPAC Spectrum 6.00 285,620,445 $ 1.70 $2,913,328,539 Restricted Use (0.5) 285,620,445 $ 1.70 ($ 242,777,378) Guard Band (2.00) 247,051,622 $ 1.70 ($ 839,975,515) Nextel Upper Channel Gain 3.50 1,831,000,000 General Category (4.51) 285,620,445 $ 1.70 ($ 2,188,000,000) SMR Interleaved (2.96) 285,620,445 $ 1.49 ($ 1,258,000,000) B/ ILT Interleaved (1.04) 285,620,445 $ 1.49 ($ 444,000,000) Total Nextel Loss (5.01) ($ 2,059,000,000) Based on the above analysis, Nextel proposed that its credit for 800 MHz spectrum be increased by $452 million rather than the $738 million originally requested, for a total credit of $2.059 billion. 32. We have carefully reviewed the Nextel analysis and the comments that parties have filed in response to that analysis. We conclude that the data submitted by Nextel provides credible support for its contentions with respect to the amount and value of 800 MHz spectrum that it will relinquish under the terms of the 800 MHz R& O. Significantly, Nextel does not challenge the basic valuation approach used in that order, but has provided more comprehensive and detailed data regarding its spectrum holdings for use under the Commission’s approach. Nextel has based its calculations on an analysis of all markets, rather than a sampling of markets. Nextel has also provided more complete information on Nextel’s interleaved spectrum holdings by including data on interleaved non- SMR (B/ ILT) channels held by Nextel, which were not taken into account in our valuation in the 800 MHz R& O. In addition, Nextel’s bandwidth calculations more accurately reflect the variations in Nextel’s spectrum holdings from one market to another, and do not count spectrum that is unavailable to Nextel because of the presence of non-Nextel incumbents. 33. We believe it is in the public interest to base our valuation on the granular data provided by Nextel, rather than on the less precise information available to us at the time of the 800 MHz R& O. Indeed, we note that Nextel’s revised analysis does not always work in its favor. For example, it results in a lower value for some spectrum categories (816- 817/ 861- 862 MHz contiguous spectrum, interleaved SMR channels) than Nextel was credited for in the 800 MHz R& O, while the offsetting valuation of other categories (GX channels, interleaved non- SMR channels) is higher. 34. We believe no commenting party has shown material errors in the Nextel analysis. For instance, we disagree with those parties who claim it is unclear how Nextel determined where particular 16 Federal Communications Commission FCC 04- 294 17 channels are available and usable. 70 We believe Nextel clearly described the methodology they used to determine whether channels were usable based on compliance with all Part 90 co- channel short- spacing requirements. 71 Our incorporation of the granular Nextel data into the valuation methodology set out in the 800 MHz R& O yielded results consistent with those derived by Nextel. In addition, we disagree with parties who claim that Nextel should have submitted their data before the Commission reached a decision on this matter. 72 Although Nextel’s initial data on its spectrum holdings was not completely supported and documented, we observe that Nextel could not forecast the exact level of detail required because they were unaware of the valuation methodology the Commission would employ. 35. Nextel concedes that its analysis does not take border area channel restrictions into account. However, Nextel contends that even if this results in some overestimation of the amount of usable spectrum it is giving up in the border areas, this is offset by the fact that, in the border areas, Nextel will not receive the full six megahertz of spectrum currently assigned to the NPSPAC channels, even though it has been credited with this gain nationwide for purposes of the valuation analysis. 73 We agree that any overestimation of Nextel’s border area spectrum is offset by the lesser amount of spectrum Nextel will receive in those areas, so that variations in border area coverage and bandwidth do not materially affect our valuation analysis. 36. Based on this revised information, we conclude that the “credit” that Nextel should receive for surrender of 800 MHz spectrum should be increased by $452 million. 74 Accordingly, in the post-rebanding calculation used to determine whether Nextel must make a “true- up” payment to the United States Treasury, Nextel will be credited the sum of $2.059 billion for its surrendered 800 MHz spectrum. F. Interference Mitigation 1. Signal Strength Threshold for Interference Protection 37. In the 800 MHz R& O, we specified that public safety, CII, and other non- cellular 800 MHz systems must receive at least a minimum measured input signal power of -101 dBm for portable (i. e., hand- held) units and -104 dBm for vehicular (mobile) units in order to be eligible for protection from interference in the 806- 816.35 MHz/ 851- 861.35 MHz band segment. 75 We chose these values by balancing the reference sensitivity of 800 MHz receivers (typically on the order of -116 to -119 dBm) with the desire not to impose an excessive burden on ESMR and cellular telephone carriers to protect an extremely weak signal. 76 We imposed these signal strength threshold protection levels in the knowledge that such levels could be burdensome before band reconfiguration was completed, and that the Consensus 70 Comments of Cingular Wireless LLC, filed December 2, 2004 at 5 (Cingular Comments). 71 See e. g., Sep. 21 st Nextel Ex Parte at 4. 72 Cingular Comments at 5- 6. 73 For example, in Canadian Region 2, Nextel may receive as little as 1.79 megahertz of spectrum in the current NPSPAC band, far less than the six megahertz of such spectrum it will receive in other parts of the country upon completion of band reconfiguration. Sep. 21 st Nextel Ex Parte at 4. 74 Sep. 21 st Nextel Ex Parte at 3. 75 See 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 15029- 30 ¶¶ 105- 107. 76 Id. at 15029 ¶ 105. 17 Federal Communications Commission FCC 04- 294 18 Parties intended these levels to go into effect only after reconfiguration of the 800 MHz band. 77 However, we chose to implement them immediately because there was nothing in the record, at the time, that would have merited our imposing different interference protection thresholds until the completion of band reconfiguration. The alternative— no interference protection whatsoever until band reconfiguration was complete— was unacceptable given the threat to life and property posed by unacceptable interference to public safety communications. 38. Recently, we have been presented with data: (a) showing that the thresholds established in the 800 MHz R& O could impose substantial operational restrictions on ESMR carriers operating in the interleaved channels prior to completion of band reconfiguration; 78 and (b) that field experience has shown that a lesser standard will provide less complete— but still meaningful— interference relief while band reconfiguration is being completed. 79 We therefore waive Sections 22.970( a) and 90.672( a) of our Rules 80 until band reconfiguration is complete in a particular NPSPAC region. 81 Once the Transition Administrator has certified reconfiguration is complete in a region or regions the Commission will release a Public Notice announcing that the interim interference protection thresholds permitted under this waiver no longer apply for operations in those regions. Should Nextel decide not to file the acceptance letter required in the 800 MHz R& O, the -101/- 104 dBm interference protection thresholds set forth in sections 20.970( a) and 90.672( a) of the Commission’s rules will remain in force. 82 39. Under the “interim standards” waiver, non- cellular systems meeting a -85 dBm (portable) or -88 dBm (mobile) signal strength threshold will enjoy the full protection measures adopted in the 800 MHz R& O. 83 These interim levels, proposed by Nextel, are supported by several commercial, private and 77 The Consensus Parties are proponents of a proposal whose essential elements underpinned significant aspects of the 800 MHz R& O. Id. at 14974 n. 13. 78 See Interference Standard Ex Parte at 1- 5, APCO Ex Parte; Comments of Shulman, Rogers, Grandal, Pordy & Ecker, P. A., at 3- 4, filed Nov. 8, 2004 (Shulman Rogers Comments).. 79 See Interference Standard Ex Parte at 5. 80 47 C. F. R. §§ 22.970( a), 90.672( a). 81 We recognize the concern raised by the Arizona Public Service Company (Arizona) that “holdouts” in a particular NPSPAC region may hinder the completion of rebanding in a region, thus delaying the transition to the final interference protection plan. See Comments of Arizona Public Service Company, filed Nov. 24, 2004 (Arizona Comments) at 1. However, Arizona’s solution— transition to full interference protection values should occur when reconfiguration in a particular NPSPAC region is “essentially complete”— places the Commission with the need to determine, on a case- by- case basis, what constitutes “substantially complete” in the context of each NPSPAC region. Moreover, we cannot envision a situation in which we would declare rebanding of a particular NPSPAC region “substantially complete” if an ESMR or major CMRS provider, which could be the major interfering party in a region, had not been reconfigured. 82 See 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 15129 ¶ 344; 47 C. F. R. §§ 20.970( a), 90.672( a). 83 See 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 15029- 30 ¶ 105- 107; See Interference Standard Ex Parte at 3- 4. Licensees using Class A receivers must have a minimum on- street signal level of -85 dBm for portable units and -88 dBm for mobile units in the area experiencing interference. Interim interference protection for licensees using non-Class A receivers will be adjusted based upon the receivers’ performance specifications. For example, if a Class B receiver has an intermodulation rejection specification of 5 dB less than a Class A receiver, its protection threshold would be adjusted to -80 dBm. Id. 18 Federal Communications Commission FCC 04- 294 19 public safety members of the 800 MHz community. 84 However, support for these interim standards was not universal. Several parties opposed delaying the implementation of the full abatement standards until completion of band reconfiguration in a given NPSPAC region. The Public Safety Improvement Coalition (PSIC) argues that these interim standards contravene the Commission’s decision to provide immediate relief to public safety systems experiencing unacceptable interference by requiring stations with weaker signal strength to accept interference for up to three years. 85 The Tri- state Radio Planning Committee (Tri- State) believes that the original standards protect the integrity of commercial networks while requiring public safety systems to accept protection levels below those necessary to achieve a minimum mean signal level (50% reliability). 86 Moreover, Tri- State argues that these interim standards should not apply to systems operating in the NPSPAC channels because these channels are not interleaved. 87 The Industrial Telecommunications Association, Inc., (ITA) argues that, because these interim standards only mandate the use of Best Practices for receivers that do not meet a set signal strength standard, our actions would represents a step backwards because licensees currently apply Best Practices solutions on a voluntary basis for all systems, regardless of technical parameters. 88 40. As an initial matter, we note that the interim interference protection thresholds correspond approximately to the 50 dBµV/ M minimum signal contour recommended by the Telecommunications Industries Association (TIA) TR- 8 Subcommittee for public safety systems operating in urban environments where interference is more likely to occur than in “quieter” suburban or rural areas. 89 TIA asserts that a 50 dBµV/ M or stronger signal field makes intermodulation interference less likely and facilitates building penetration. 90 Further, we have reviewed Nextel’s comments on the effect the interim interference thresholds would have on certain randomly selected locations and on the Denver, Colorado, public safety system, wherein, Nextel claims, these threshold levels were met at thirty- nine of forty randomly selected locations at which interference was reported. 91 The Nextel information would have been more useful had Nextel provided the underlying data and the methodology used to reach that conclusion. For example, Nextel neither identified the “randomly selected” locations nor stated what public safety systems were involved or whether their conclusions rested on a single point measurement or a group of measurements that were reduced to a mean, median or other statistical value. Accordingly, because of the lack of such information, we have been unable to replicate the Nextel analysis, and 84 Letter from Chris Guttman- McCabe, CTIA- the Wireless Association (CTIA) to Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary, FCC at 5 (filed Oct. 13, 2004) (CTIA Ex Parte); APCO Ex Parte; Shulman Rogers Comments at 3- 4. 85 See Comments of the Public Safety Improvement Coalition, filed Dec. 2, 2004 at 2- 4 (PSIC Comments) citing 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 15028 ¶ 102. 86 See Letter, dated Dec. 2, 2004, from Peter W. Meade, Chairman, [800 MHz NPSPAC] Region 8 to Marlene Dortch, Secretary, Federal Communications Commission at 1- 2 (Tri- State Radio Comments). 87 Id. 88 See Comments of Industrial Telecommunications Association, Inc., at 7, filed Dec. 2, 2004 (ITA Comments). 89 See Comments of the Telecommunications Industry Association, filed May 6, 2002 at 3- 4. See also TIA 50 dBu Contour Recommendation, TR- 8.18/ 02- 08- 00 19, (April 1, 2001). 90 Id. 91 Interference Standard Ex Parte at 5. 19 Federal Communications Commission FCC 04- 294 20 therefore can give little weight to the Nextel claim that interference would be mitigated “for between 86% and 92% of these locations . . .” 92 Similarly, Nextel has not provided the underlying data for its claim that the interim signal threshold would be exceeded at thirty- nine of the forty locations where interference to the Denver, Colorado public safety system has been reported. 93 Nextel has not provided data on whether its conclusions rest on a single data point measurement, or a mean, median or other statistical value applied to a group of measurements. If Nextel was relying on the Denver interference study conducted by Pericle Communications Company 94 —the only such study in the record— we observe that study included literally hundreds of data points and that Nextel did not identify the data points used. We also note the comments of Tri- State that we should not disturb the conclusion in the 800 MHz R& O that the -101 dBm / -104 dBm thresholds should go into effect immediately and that those levels would provide only 50% reliability. 95 It is unclear from the Tri- State filing whether Tri- State attributes the 50% reliability figure to the fact that the -101 dBm / -104 dBm levels are relatively weak and near the noise floor; or whether their point is that interference would reduce reliability to 50% when the received signal power is as low as -101 dBm / -104 dBm. In any event, Tri- State has not shown how it derived the 50% figure and we thus are not able to factor it into our analysis of Nextel’s proposed interim threshold received signal power levels. We do note that APCO, an active participant in this proceeding from the outset, believes the interim levels are satisfactory. 96 41. There is a direct relationship between the threshold levels chosen for interference protection and the ability of ESMR and cellular carriers adequately to serve their subscribers— a factor that affects both the public’s access to wireless service and the viability of the carriers’ business. We are not prepared to say that the -85 dBm / -88 dBm interim values strike an exact balance between these competing interests. However, they do appear within the range of reason. Accordingly, as noted in ¶ 38, supra, we are waiving the provisions of Sections 22.970( a) and 90.672( a) of our Rules until band reconfiguration is complete in a given NPSPAC region. We note that parties are free to contest our decision and persuade us that data show otherwise. 97 We observe, in that regard, that claims that the interim values are invalid would be given little weight unless accompanied by the data and methodology underlying those claims. 42. Moreover, we do not believe that the interim levels, alone, will provide sufficient interference protection for public safety communications. Therefore, we caution CMRS licensees that they must exercise the utmost diligence in addressing reports of interference even in cases in which the interim levels are not met. As noted in the 800 MHz R& O, unacceptable interference can be addressed using Enhanced Best Practices and, when necessary, providing public safety licensees with such additional equipment as may be necessary to address an interference problem. 98 We note that the interim threshold 92 Id at 5. 93 Id. 94 See, e. g., ex parte comments, dated June 10, 2003, from City and County of Denver (Denver June 10 Ex Parte). 95 Tri- State Radio Comments at 1. 96 See APCO Ex Parte. 97 See 47 C. F. R. § 1.106 (Petitions for Reconsideration). 98 See 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 14035 ¶ 118. 20 Federal Communications Commission FCC 04- 294 23 licensing information and where it can be contacted. 107 It may not be burdensome for the interfered- with party to report the receiver( s) ’ make and model number. However, the measurement of received signal power and verification of performance characteristics are substantial efforts that may create an unacceptable burden on the affected public safety or other “high- site” licensee. Nothing we said in the 800 MHz R& O can be construed to place the exclusive burden of measuring signal power or receiver performance on the party experiencing unacceptable interference. Indeed, particularly with respect to public safety licensees, the interfered- with party may lack the equipment necessary to make such measurements and the expertise to use it. Accordingly, we clarify here that it is the party or parties to which an interference report is addressed, that must conduct received power measurements or receiver performance measurements, when necessary to resolve an interference incident; and that the interfered-with party is required to cooperate with the involved CMRS licensee( s) in providing such other information and assistance as may be reasonably necessary to assist the CMRS licensee( s) in identifying and abating unacceptable interference. In sum, we will not burden interfered- with parties with information collection requirements as a prerequisite to abating interference to what oftentimes are mission critical communications. 48. However, in response to a request from CTIA, we will extend from thirty days to sixty days (after the effective date of the rules), the deadline established in Sections 22.972( a)( 2) and 90.674( a)( 2) for cellular and ESMR carriers to establish a common, unified electronic means for initial notification of interference incidents. 108 We believe this extension will allow the industry time to develop a single interface, as well as create standard processes and protocols for response, including initial meetings, testing, and documentation. 49. We acknowledge that a case could arise in which a CMRS licensee simultaneously receives a multitude of interference notices, such that the volume prevents a timely response to all such notices. Although we do not foresee that the circumstance would arise often, relief could be made available through the waiver process. We would expect waiver requests to meet the Commission’s waiver standard, contain detailed factual support and a projected time when the carrier can respond to, analyze, and abate the objectionable interference. 109 While the waiver request is pending, however, the relevant CMRS licensee( s) must take all reasonable steps to respond to interference incidents as quickly as possible. We delegate to the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, the authority to act on such waiver requests. We reiterate, however, that if a cell site (or cell sites) is implicated in a dramatic spike in interference incidents that threaten the safety of life, health, and property, we may require these cell site operator( s) to cease operations until the interference problem is resolved. 110 50. In the 800 MHz R& O we stated that all parties involved in an interference incident, including public safety and CII licensees, are under an affirmative duty to act in good faith in resolving an interference dispute. 111 These good faith requirements include, without limitation, the obligation to timely meet appointments and provide whatever technical assistance is appropriate under the circumstances. We will neither hesitate to act when the obligation of good faith is breached nor sanction 107 See 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 15045 ¶ 143. 108 See 47 C. F. R. §§ 22.972( a)( 2), 90.674( a)( 2). 109 See 47 C. F. R. § 1.925 (setting forth waiver standard). 110 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 15044- 45 ¶ 140 111 Id. at 15043 ¶ 138. 23 Federal Communications Commission FCC 04- 294 25 complete band reconfiguration within no more than thirty- six months from the commencement date discussed in the following paragraph. 54. We decline to adopt Nextel’s blanket request that it be allowed to operate on all vacant and vacated channels below 817 MHz/ 862 MHz during band reconfiguration. 115 We agree with those parties which argue that this request, coupled with the relaxed eighteen- month benchmark, could provide Nextel an incentive to delay completing band reconfiguration for as long as possible. 116 Thus we will entertain individual applications from Nextel for such channels on the same basis as applications from any other eligible entity seeking to acquire new channels prior to imposition of the freeze set out in the 800 MHz R& O. 117 55. The 800 MHz R& O specifies that the eighteen- month and thirty- six- month benchmarks are measured against the date the Commission releases a Public Notice announcing the start date of reconfiguration in the first NPSPAC Region. Since release of the 800 MHz R& O, we have gained additional insight into the complexity of the rebanding process, including the hiring of personnel, the complexity of the information necessary to develop schedules and the attendant need to coordinate with equipment manufacturers. In order to avoid initial missteps in these processes which ultimately could impair progress, we agree that it is reasonable to issue a Public Notice announcing the starting date for computation of the eighteen and thirty- six- month benchmarks. That Public Notice will state that the starting date for computation of the benchmarks will be a date thirty days after the issuance of said Public Notice. 118 H. Secondary, Mobile- Only Operations 56. Currently, public safety and Critical Infrastructure Industry licensees operate fewer than fifty mobile- only systems on former 800 MHz Channels 1- 120 on a secondary basis. 119 The 800 MHz R& O does not specifically address whether these secondary, mobile- only systems must be moved from former Channels 1- 120. Because these stations are secondary, and do not have as great a potential for interference as base stations, we do not believe it necessary to remove them from former Channels 1- 120 and will continue to accept public safety and CII applications for such secondary, mobile- only operations on these channels. I. Licensing Issues 57. In the 800 MHz R& O, we divided the lower portion of the 800 MHz band, i. e., frequencies below 817/ 862 MHz, into four pools or categories: General Category, Public Safety, B/ ILT, and SMR. 120 115 See id. at 1. 116 See Cinergy Comments at 8- 10; Entergy Comments at 5- 7. 117 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 15078 ¶ 204. 118 This revision in computation- of- time dates is consistent with that proposed by Nextel. See Attachment to Sep. 21 Nextel Ex Parte at 4. 119 See, e. g., Station KA61037. A licensee that operates on a secondary basis must accept interference from primary operations and may not cause interference to primary operations. See 47 C. F. R. § 90.7. 120 See 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 14977 ¶ 11; see also 800 MHz R& O Appendix C, §§ 90.615 and 90.617, 19 FCC Rcd 15180- 15185. 25 Federal Communications Commission FCC 04- 294 26 Prior to the 800 MHz R& O, our Rules specified similar groupings. However, rules adopted in the 800 MHz R& O changed operations in the pools and redistributed frequencies within the pools. This redistribution has raised questions concerning eligibility and licensing requirements for certain frequencies in these pools. 121 We take this opportunity to clarify certain aspects of the licensing process for this lower portion of the band. We also make changes that promote consistency and flexibility in the 800 MHz band reconfiguration rules. 58. Nextel will relinquish all of its 800 MHz spectrum holdings below 817/ 862 MHz as part of band reconfiguration. 122 Other ESMR licensees may also relocate from the lower portion of the 800 MHz band. Eligibility for any ESMR- vacated spectrum in the lower portion of the 800 MHz band that is available after reconfiguration is complete in a given NPSPAC region, except for vacated spectrum in the Public Safety Pool, will be limited to public safety and CII eligibles. 123 These channels will be available to public safety for the first three years following the completion of band reconfiguration of the NPSPAC region and to public safety and CII eligibles for the following two years. 124 After this time, any eligible entity can apply for ESMR- vacated spectrum. However, eligibility for ESMR- vacated spectrum in the public safety pool is limited to public safety. 125 The Commission will announce by Public Notice when entities may file for ESMR- vacated spectrum in a given NPSPAC region. Any recognized Part 90 frequency- coordinator for the pool where the vacated spectrum is located can coordinate frequencies in that pool. 126 59. We hereby clarify the licensing status of site- based SMR frequencies which are vacated by ESMR licensees. These channels will be reserved for five years after the completion of band reconfiguration in a given NPSPAC region for public safety and CII licensees as described supra. This will be the case even if these vacated site- based SMR channels are located within another SMR licensee’s EA. After five years, any of these vacated site- based SMR channels— which are still available— will revert to the SMR licensee holding the EA licensee for that geographic area. If there is no EA licensee for a particular area, then after five years, these vacated site- based SMR channels will be available for 121 See, e. g., Shulman Rogers Comments at 11, 14. 122 See 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 14977 ¶ 11. 123 See id. at 15052 ¶ 152. 124 Id. This eligibility restriction also applies to channels vacated by licensees electing to relocate to the Guard Band. See 47 C. F. R. §§ 90.615( a) and (b). While we originally restricted eligibility to this vacated spectrum from the effective date of the 800 MHz R& O, we modify this date now to ensure that all public safety and CII licensees enjoy the same amount of exclusive access to ESMR- vacated spectrum. 125 There should be very few ESMR- vacated channels in the public safety pool. There may be some as a result of the exchange of twelve public safety channels with twelve SMR channels to create the expansion band. See 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 15053 ¶ 155. We clarify here that B/ ILT eligibles, including CII entities, can apply for these frequencies under the inter- category sharing rules, but only after five years. 126 A list of Part 90 800 MHz band frequency coordinators is available on the Commission’s web page (http:// wireless. fcc. gov/ services/ plmrs/). Although any coordinator may file applications involving these frequencies, inter- category sharing applications require the concurrence of an in- pool coordinator. For example, if a public safety applicant is seeking to apply for ESMR- vacated spectrum in the B/ ILT Pool, the applicant’s coordinator must obtain concurrence from a Commission- certified frequency coordinator having jurisdiction over the B/ ILT pool. This approach is consistent with the current procedure governing inter- category sharing applications. 26 Federal Communications Commission FCC 04- 294 27 site- based licensing to SMR eligibles. 127 1. General Category Pool. 60. Under the 800 MHz R& O, the new General Category Pool consists of Channels 231- 260 and 511- 550. 128 Frequencies in this pool are available for public safety, B/ ILT and SMR (site based, non-cellular) operations. The former rules for the General Category channels required applicants for site-based stations to provide a showing of frequency coordination. 129 The frequency coordination requirement did not, however, pertain to geographic area licenses (non site- based stations). We clarify here that we will not require frequency coordination for stations associated with grandfathered geographic area licenses. When coordinating new site- based licenses or major modifications to existing site- based licenses, the interference contours (22 dBµV/ M) of any or new modified site- based licensees must not extend beyond the boundaries of the co- channel geographic licensees’ EAs. This requirement applies regardless of frequency pool. Further, except as noted infra, we will continue to apply the frequency coordination requirement to site- based applications. We note that the 800 MHz R& O charges the Transition Administrator with developing a master 800 MHz band reconfiguration plan. 130 In that process, a relocating incumbent receives a replacement channel for each existing channel requiring relocation. 131 The replacement channels must conform to applicable Commission rules. Requiring separate frequency coordination in this context would be superfluous; we therefore clarify that we are not requiring evidence of frequency coordination for applications for modifications of license to channels designated by the Transition Administrator as part of band reconfiguration. 132 However, applications filed after the completion of band reconfiguration in a given NPSPAC region will be subject to the frequency coordination requirements specified in Section 90.175 of our Rules. 133 61. The 800 MHz R& O envisioned clearing Channels 231- 260 of all non- public safety, non- CII incumbents. Nextel has argued that relocating incumbent B/ ILT or high- site SMR licensees from Channels 231- 260 is unnecessary to implement band reconfiguration, would disrupt incumbents without countervailing public interest benefits, and would not result in any additional spectrum becoming available for public safety use. 134 We agree, and upon further reflection, we modify our decision and will 127 See ¶¶ 67- 68, infra. 128 See id., Appendix C, § 90.615. See para 50 infra. 129 See 47 C. F. R. § 90.175. 130 See 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 15075 ¶ 201. 131 Id. at 15074 ¶ 199. 132 We anticipate that, in a very few instances, 800 MHz band reconfiguration modification applications may be filed where the licensee is requesting more than just adding a new channel( s). For example, the station location may need to be changed or the power increased. Frequency coordination is required for 800 MHz band reconfiguration modification applications involving a major change other than the addition of one or more channels consistent with the Transition Administrator plan. 133 See 47 C. F. R. § 90.175. 134 See Sep. 16 th Nextel Ex Parte at 2. See also ITA Comments at 9- 10. But see Comments of Preferred Communications Systems, Inc. at 27- 28 filed Dec 2, 2004 (Preferred Comments) (clearing Channels 231- 260 would provide public safety additional public safety spectrum). 27 Federal Communications Commission FCC 04- 294 28 allow non- public safety and non- CII incumbents to continue to operate on Channels 231- 260. This modification is consistent with our goal to minimize disruption and strikes a reasonable balance between the needs of private wireless interests and public safety spectrum capacity needs. If we were to retain our earlier decision to make Channels 231- 260 available exclusively for Public Safety and CII use, we would inadvertently disrupt existing private wireless operations because they might be required to relocate unnecessarily. Additionally, requiring private wireless incumbents to relocate would ignore the reality that there may be insufficient spectrum elsewhere in the 800 MHz band to which these non- Nextel Channel 231- 260 incumbents could relocate. Moreover, this modification does not eliminate some of the spectrum gains for public safety and CII licensees, which could be used to meet interoperability needs, as public safety and CII would continue to have access to ESMR- vacated spectrum. 62. Finally, we inadvertently omitted listing channels in the 816- 817/ 861- 862 MHz band (i. e., Guard Band channels 511- 550) in the rules. Since this spectrum is available for licensing to a wide variety of users (e. g., B/ ILT and SMRs), we believe this spectrum is most appropriately categorized as General Category. Consistent with our approach to the other General Category spectrum discussed above, frequency coordination is required for these frequencies except for 800 MHz modification applications associated with band reconfiguration and stations associated with grandfathered EA licensees. 135 2. Public Safety Pool. 63. The Public Safety Pool consists of two basic sub- groups: the public safety pool frequencies in the interleaved segment of the band and the NPSPAC frequencies. Because these two groups are licensed differently, they are treated separately, infra. 136 64. Interleaved Segment: The public safety pool channels in the interleaved segment of the band are interspersed with channels in other pools throughout the 809- 815/ 854- 860 MHz band segment. 137 Frequencies in this group are available, in general, only to public safety eligibles. 138 As noted above, we clarify that applications for modification of facilities in the interleaved segment that only involve a change in frequency in order to implement the relocation channel plan established by the Transition Administrator need not be accompanied by evidence of frequency coordination. 139 Applications filed after the completion of band reconfiguration in a given NPSPAC region will be subject to the frequency 135 EA licensees are grandfathered. See 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 15054 ¶ 157. Grandfathered EA licenses are subject to Sections 90.681- 699 (47 C. F. R. §§ 90.681- 90.699). 136 For example, NPSPAC frequencies are subject to regional planning and the interleaved public safety frequencies are not. 137 See 47 C. F. R. § 90.617, Table 1 for a specific list of these frequencies. 138 See 47 C. F. R. § 90.20. These channels are also available to B/ ILT eligibles through inter- category sharing. See 800 MHz R& O Appendix C, § 90.621( e), 19 FCC Rcd 15190. Finally, the Commission grandfathered non- cellular SMR licensees operating on these channels. See 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 15054 ¶ 156. 139 Coordination is unnecessary because the Transition Administrator will have taken coordination issues into account in determining that the new channel offers “comparable facilities.” We are not certifying the Transition Administrator as a frequency coordinator; but expect that the Transition Administrator will enlist the assistance of the relevant Commission- certified frequency coordinator in instances in which coordination issues arise. 28 Federal Communications Commission FCC 04- 294 29 coordination requirements specified in Section 90.175 of our Rules. 140 The frequency coordination requirement also does not apply to stations associated with grandfathered geographic area licenses. 141 65. NPSPAC Channels. Public safety entities have exclusive access to the NPSPAC frequencies (Channels 1- 230). 142 Under the 800 MHz reconfiguration plan, the licenses of current NPSPAC licensees 143 will be modified by moving the current operating frequencies fifteen megahertz downward, thereby transferring the entire NPSPAC band to its new allocation at 806- 809/ 851- 854 MHz. 144 Because these modifications involve only a uniform frequency change for each applicant, the current coverage/ interference environment will remain the same after the modification. Hence we will not require these applications to have evidence of frequency coordination. Moreover, we will not require approval of, nor consider objections from, Regional Planning Committees for such modifications. Thus, for example, any NPSPAC licensee currently operating at variance with a Regional Plan will have its operating channel( s) modified in the same manner as other NPSPAC licensees. Once band reconfiguration has been accomplished in a given NPSPAC region, the relevant Regional Planning Committee shall conform its plan to the new allocation and file said amended plan with the Commission within thirty days. These amended plans shall not contain any changes other than moving each frequency in the plan fifteen megahertz downward and will not require Commission approval. 3. Business/ Industrial/ Land Transportation (B/ ILT) Pool. 66. The B/ ILT pool consists of interleaved channels in the 809- 816/ 854- 861 MHz band segment. 145 Channels in this pool, in general, are available only to B/ ILT eligibles. 146 Applications for modification of B/ ILT licensees as specified by the Transition Administrator in order to implement band reconfiguration need not be accompanied by evidence of frequency coordination. 147 Applications filed after the completion of band reconfiguration in a given NPSPAC region will be subject to the frequency 140 See 47 C. F. R. § 90.175. We clarify that only recognized Part 90 800 MHz public safety coordinators can coordinate frequencies in this pool. 141 See n. 125 supra. 142 The assignment of these frequencies is done in accordance with policies defined in Development and Implementation of a Public Safety National Plan and Amendment of Part 90 to Establish Service Rules and Technical Standards for Use of the 821- 824/ 866- 869 MHz Bands by the Public Safety Services, Report and Order, GEN Docket No. 87- 112, 3 FCC Rcd 905 (1987) (NPSPAC R& O). 143 NPSPAC licensees currently operate in the 821- 824 MHz / 866- 869 MHz band segment. The process for relocation of NPSPAC channels in the border areas may differ from that described supra for the remainder of the country. We cannot address those differences here because final border- area band plans have not yet been developed by U. S., Canadian, and Mexican, authorities. 144 See 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 15072 ¶ 195. 145 For specific frequencies see 47 C. F. R. § 90.617, Table 2. 146 See 47 C. F. R. § 90.35. EA licensees are grandfathered. 147 See n. 139 supra. 29 Federal Communications Commission FCC 04- 294 30 coordination requirements specified in Section 90.175 of our Rules. 148 4. SMR Pool (Non- cellular) 67. This pool consists of interleaved channels in the 809- 816/ 854- 861 MHz band. 149 Frequencies in this pool are available for commercial operations. 150 There are both site- based and EA geographical-area licenses in this pool. Applications for modification of SMR licenses as specified by the Transition Administrator in order to implement band reconfiguration need not be accompanied by evidence of frequency coordination. 151 Applications filed after the completion of band reconfiguration in a given NPSPAC region will be subject to the frequency coordination requirements specified in Section 90.175 of our Rules. 152 Finally, we note that grandfathered EA licensees remain subject to Sections 90.681- 90.699 of our Rules. 153 68. In the former SMR pool where geographic area licensing was employed there was no requirement for a showing of frequency coordination and hence no recognized frequency coordinators for this pool. By requiring frequency coordination for certain stations operating in this pool we must authorize frequency coordinators to conduct the coordinations. Because this pool is similar to the General Category (e. g., spectrum is available to a wide variety of users— public safety, B/ ILT, SMRs) we believe we should take the same approach that we did for coordinating frequencies in the General Category and certify multiple coordinators. Based on our experience, we conclude that 800 MHz General Category coordinators are qualified to coordinate spectrum in the SMR pool. 154 Any of these coordinators interested in coordinating frequencies in this pool must notify the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau 155 within forty- five days of release of this Order. 156 In all other cases, including applications for ESMR- vacated spectrum available after band reconfiguration is complete in a given NPSPAC region; the frequency coordination requirements specified in Section 90.175 of our Rules 157 apply to frequencies in 148 See 47 C. F. R. § 90.175. We clarify that only recognized Part 90 800 MHz B/ ILT coordinators can coordinate frequencies in this pool. 149 For specific frequencies see 47 C. F. R. § 90.617, Table 4B. 150 We clarify that the frequencies in this pool can also be used for public safety and B/ ILT operations. 151 See n. 139 supra. 152 See 47 C. F. R. § 90.175. 153 See 47 C. F. R. §§ 90.681- 699. 154 See United Telecom Council Informal Request for Certification as a Frequency Coordinator in the PLMR 800 MHz and 900 MHz Bands, Order, 16 FCC Rcd 8436 (2001) (Coordination Order). 155 We note here that the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau has delegated authority to select frequency coordinators in the services it administers. See Amendment of Parts 2 and 95 of the Commission’s Rules to Create a Wireless Medical Telemetry Service, Report and Order, ET Docket No. 99- 255, 15 FCC Rcd 11206, 11218 ¶ 36 (2000). 156 Notification should be addressed to the Public Safety and Critical Infrastructure Division, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12 th Street, S. W., Washington, D. C. 20554. See Coordination Order, 16 FCC Rcd 8445 ¶ 18. 157 See 47 C. F. R. § 90.175. 30 Federal Communications Commission FCC 04- 294 31 this pool. J. Cost Responsibility 1. Nextel Retuning 69. The 800 MHz R& O limits Nextel’s credit for funds spent reconfiguring its own 800 MHz system to expenditures strictly limited to costs absolutely essential to implement band reconfiguration and shall not include any costs for improvement, by way of equipment replacement or otherwise, of the capacity or features of Nextel’s infrastructure or subscriber units. 158 At Nextel’s request, we clarify that this prohibition does not extend to “capacity” cells that are necessary to sustain subscriber capacity of Nextel’s system during band reconfiguration and which, thereafter, remain in service, potentially increasing Nextel’s overall post- reconfiguration subscriber capacity. 159 We disagree with Cingular’s contention that Nextel’s request is untimely and that Nextel should have sought credit for these costs prior to the release of the 800 MHz R& O. 160 Because the concept of the “true- up” with the attendant discussion of what constituted creditable costs originated in the 800 MHz R& O, it is disingenuous to argue that Nextel should have anticipated this issue. Moreover, Nextel is merely seeking the same rights as any other relocating 800 MHz licensee— the right to comparable facilities. In the case of each “capacity” cell, we require Nextel to demonstrate to the Transition Administrator that said cell is essential to maintaining subscriber levels during band reconfiguration. Assuming that Nextel meets that burden, we will permit Nextel to include the cost of the cell as part of Nextel’s legitimate expenses incurred in band reconfiguration. We are sensitive, however, to the argument Nextel may attempt to leverage this provision into an inappropriate subsidy for the construction of its 1.9 GHz network. 161 We therefore direct the Transition Administrator to disallow Nextel credit for facilities associated with the 1.9 GHz band. We further note that Nextel may not claim credit for any expenditure it makes to obtain additional spectrum in any band, whether by purchase, lease or some other secondary market mechanism. 162 2. Transactional Costs 70. Although we recognized that band reconfiguration to resolve the unacceptable interference would be costly, 163 we were concerned that sole reliance upon Enhanced Best Practices would entail a continuing expense that would eventually eclipse the high initial cost of band reconfiguration. 164 To address cost reimbursement issues we adopted rules that tracked rules the Commission has successfully used to accomplish previous band reconfigurations. 165 We note, as one party has pointed out, 166 that there 158 See 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 14989 n. 74. 159 See Attachment to Nextel Sep. 21 Ex Parte at 8. 160 Cingular Comments at 2- 3. 161 Cingular Comments at 3- 5. 162 Regardless of whether Nextel obtains this spectrum via auction, secondary market transactions, spectrum purchase or a leasing arrangement. 163 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 15064 ¶ 177. 164 Id. 165 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 15048 ¶ 148 & n. 398 citing 47 C. F. R. § 90.699( d). 31 Federal Communications Commission FCC 04- 294 32 is a conflict between the statement in the 800 MHz R& O that Nextel must absorb all costs of band reconfiguration, including transactional costs, and the provision in existing rule Section 90.699( c), which we incorporated by reference in the 800 MHz R& O, which limits transactional costs to no more than “2% of the hard costs involved.” 167 We resolve that conflict in favor of the statement in the text of the 800 MHz R& O, but believe that the two- percent restriction in the rule provides a useful guideline for determining when transactional costs are excessive or unreasonable and charge the Transition Administrator to give a particularly hard look at any request involving transactional costs that exceed two percent. We believe that, in the vast majority of cases, the party requesting transactional costs in excess of two percent will have to meet a high burden of justification. However, we decline to use two percent as a fixed limit in the knowledge that, particularly with respect to public safety entities, outside expertise may be required in the negotiation of agreements and in analysis of “comparable facilities” proposals. We can foresee that such outside costs could raise the transactional cost above two percent of the “hard costs.” Moreover, the instant band reconfiguration process is distinguished from others in which Section 90.699( c) applied, by the presence of the Transition Administrator which serves, inter alia, as a watchdog over excess transactional costs and “goldplating.” We were clear in the 800 MHz R& O that parties must submit disputes involving cost allocations to the Transition Administrator for resolution. 168 In the event that the Transition Administrator is unable to resolve the dispute the matter will be referred to the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau for de novo review. 169 These provisions should provide a sufficient safeguard against excessive claims for transactional costs associated with band reconfiguration. K. Payment Authorization and Auditing 71. Under the terms of the 800 MHz R& O, we defined the role of the Transition Administrator broadly and, by way of example, listed duties that would fall within the expertise of the Transition Administrator. These duties include, but are not limited to, the authorization of funds to licensees, vendors, etc., 170 establishing the schedule setting forth the commencement of band reconfiguration in each NPSPAC region, 171 auditing the amount expended at the conclusion of a system reconfiguration, 172 and submitting an audited statement of relocation funds expended at each anniversary date of the 800 MHz R& O. 173 Concern has been expressed that we did not state explicitly that the Transition Administrator could authorize disbursement of funds before retuning of a given system begins. 174 As noted in paragraph (Continued from previous page) 166 Shulman Rogers Comments at 10. 167 47 C. F. R. § 90.699( c). 168 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 15064, ¶ 178. 169 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 15064, 15071- 73 ¶¶ 178, 194- 197. 170 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 15072 ¶ 195 and n. 513. 171 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 15073 ¶ 196. On November 24, 2004, the Public Safety and Critical Infrastructure Division extended the deadline for the Transition Administrator to submit the schedule until January 31, 2005. See Improving Public Safety Communications in the 800 MHz Band, Order, DA 04- 3676 ¶ 6 (WTB PSCID Nov. 24, 2004). 172 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 15073 ¶ 197. 173 800 MHz R& O 19 FCC Rcd 15073 ¶ 196. 174 Shulman Rogers Comments at 6. 32 Federal Communications Commission FCC 04- 294 33 14, supra, the Transition Administrator may authorize disbursement of funds upon approval of a negotiated estimate of the cost of reconfiguring an existing system and that the cost of preparing the estimate and costs of negotiating the agreement are allowable and can be provided in advance upon application to the Transition Administrator. We have been asked whether costs incurred by public safety systems in advance of the commencement of band reconfiguration would be eligible for reimbursement. 175 We affirm here that our description of the duties of the Transition Administrator, as set forth in the 800 MHz R& O, was illustrative, not exhaustive, and that the Transition Administrator may authorize the disbursement of funds for any reasonable and prudent expense directly related to the retuning of a specific 800 MHz system. We also clarify that the Transition Administrator may retain the services of others in connection with its work and that its audit process must conform to the Generally Accepted Accounting Procedures and industry standards. 176 72. As noted supra, our description of the duties of the Transition Administrator was not exhaustive. The overriding obligation of the Transition Administrator is to facilitate timely band reconfiguration in a manner that is equitable to all concerned, including the United States government. We foresee, for example, that the Transition Administrator may exercise its discretion to change the schedule it establishes for band reconfiguration in order to meet unanticipated demands, e. g., to reconfigure two or more regions simultaneously because of the existence of systems spanning multiple regions. The Transition Administrator’s authority also extends to such matters as involving manufacturers, installers, and other infrastructure providers in the negotiation of reconfiguration agreements. In sum, the Transition Administrator’s portfolio includes taking “the most effective actions, in the short- term and long- term, to promote robust and reliable public safety communications in the 800 MHz band to ensure the safety of life and property.” 177 L. Relocation Negotiations 73. The 800 MHz R& O provides licensees flexibility in negotiating relocation agreements with Nextel. Parties may require the Transition Administrator to deal with Nextel on their behalf or licensees may choose to negotiate directly with Nextel. 178 Similarly, Nextel may require that negotiations with a given licensee take place through the Transition Administrator as an intermediary. 179 The underlying theme governing all reconfiguration negotiations is “good faith.” 180 Although we cannot predict what “good faith” may be for all parties in all circumstances, we envision that it extends to making a 175 Oral communication between David Buchanan, Regional Chairman, Southern California Area Regional Planning Committee, and Michael Wilhelm, Chief, Public Safety and Critical Infrastructure Division, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, Nov. 15, 2004. See also PSIC Comments at 4- 6. Comments of the Office of Chief Technology Officer of the District of Columbia at 1- 4 176 We decline to state, as requested by Shulman Rogers, that the services of a Regional Planning Committee in support of band reconfiguration can be compensated. That, and other such determinations would be fact- specific and are committed to the Transition Administrator. See Shulman Rogers Comments at 6, 8, 10, 11. 177 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 14975 ¶ 7. 178 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 15075- 77 ¶ 201. 179 See Sep. 16 th Nextel Ex Parte at 2. 180 See 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 15075- 77 ¶ 201. See also Sep. 21 Nextel Ex Parte at 7 (requesting clarification of good faith requirement). 33 Federal Communications Commission FCC 04- 294 34 counteroffer to a reasonable offer, rather than refusing an offer outright. 181 We also caution parties to memorialize agreements in writing to be signed by authorized parties of both the relocating incumbent and Nextel. We finally note that the Transition Administrator cannot unilaterally bind Nextel or the incumbent to any obligation associated with band reconfiguration. 182 Thus, for example, the Transition Administrator cannot unilaterally require Nextel to pay a sum not authorized in an agreement between Nextel and an incumbent. 183 74. The 800 MHz R& O states that Nextel personnel shall not be “involved” in the reconfiguring of a licensee’s system. 184 We now recognize that an overly restrictive interpretation of this language could unnecessarily prevent Nextel from utilizing the institutional knowledge that it gained in the Upper 200 relocation process. 185 We therefore determine that the prohibition extends only to Nextel’s personnel gaining direct access to an incumbent’s physical system. Moreover, even that restriction would be inapplicable if the involved licensee explicitly authorized Nextel personnel to physically examine or adjust a system M. Relocating EA Licensees 75. We clarify several aspects of the 800 MHz R& O regarding the relocation of non- Nextel non-SouthernLINC EA licensees operating ESMR systems. First, Nextel, AIRPEAK, and Airtel all have sought clarification concerning the process for determining the ultimate location of non- Nextel, non-SouthernLINC ESMR licensees. 186 Nextel supports relocating licensees out of the “non- cellular” channel block to the 816- 817/ 861- 862 MHz block before relocating licensees above 817/ 862 MHz. 187 AIRPEAK and Airtel ask the Commission to clarify that a relocating incumbent may specify the channels to which it will be relocated. 188 181 Evidence of “good faith” may also consist of an explanation of why the offer was rejected. See e. g., PSIC Comments at 6- 7. 182 The 800 MHz R& O contained other indicia of good faith, or not, e. g., (1) whether the party responsible for paying the cost of band reconfiguration has made a bona fide offer to relocate the incumbent to comparable facilities; (2) the steps the parties have taken to determine the actual cost of relocation to comparable facilities; and (3) whether either party has unreasonably withheld information, essential to the accurate estimation of relocation costs and procedures, requested by the other party. See 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 15076, n. 524 citing Amendment to the Commission’s Rules Regarding a Plan for Sharing the Costs of Microwave Relocation, First Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, 11 FCC Rcd 8825, 8837- 8838 ¶ 21. 183 Note, however, that nothing in this paragraph precludes the Commission from directing Nextel to pay, or an incumbent to accept, any payment arising from Commission adjudication of a dispute between Nextel and an incumbent. See 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 15076 ¶ 201. 184 See 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 15075- 77 ¶ 198. 185 See Amendment of Part 90 of the Commission’s Rules to Facilitate Future Development of SMR Systems in the 800 MHz Frequency Band, PR Docket No. 93- 144. 186 See generally AIRPEAK/ Airtel Ex Parte and Sep. 16 th Nextel Ex Parte at 2. 187 Sep. 16 th Nextel Ex Parte at 2. 188 See generally AIRPEAK/ Airtel Ex Parte. 34 Federal Communications Commission FCC 04- 294 35 76. Relocating 800 MHz Geographical Area EA Licensees: In the 800 MHz R& O, we required that EA licensees such as AIRPEAK and Airtel, must be provided comparable facilities, and afforded them the option of: (a) remaining on their EA Block( s) on a non- interference basis; (b) moving their EA Block( s) as close to the ESMR portion of the band as possible, also on an non- interference basis, or (c) relocating their EA Block( s) into the ESMR portion of the band. 189 We charged the Transition Administrator with determining where, in the ESMR portion of the band, such relocating ESMR licensees should be relocated. We have been offered no good reason why we should either defer to Nextel’s request that non- Nextel, non- SouthernLINC licensees be moved to a particular portion of the 800 MHz band, in a particular sequence of channels, or to AIRPEAK’s and Airtel’s request that they be permitted to chose the specific channels to which they are relocated. As with all incumbents relocated in the course of band reconfiguration— EA licensees or otherwise— incumbents are entitled only to comparable facilities not their choice of channels. Thus, we confer considerable discretion on the part of the Transition Administrator with respect to the choice of replacement channels. However, we envision that the Transition Administrator would commence relocations on channels immediately above 817/ 862 MHz and progress upward, unless otherwise indicated by considerations of sound spectrum management principles. 77. In the case of an EA licensee with an ESMR system relocating to the ESMR portion of the band, comparable facilities consist of providing encumbrance- free spectrum in the ESMR portion of the band at Nextel’s expense. We recognize that, in some instances, the relocating ESMR licensee could benefit by “trading” encumbered spectrum for unencumbered spectrum. We believe this may provide an incentive for such licensees to transition from the interleaved spectrum with a consequent reduction in interference to public safety and other systems. The implementation of the comparable facilities standard rests, initially, with the Transition Administrator and, ultimately, with the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau in the event of intractable disputes. 190 78. Relocating Site Based Systems Associated With a Relocating ESMR EA licensee. In the 800 MHz R& O, we stated that non- Nextel EA ESMR licensees which have augmented their EA licenses with site- specific channels may move both their geographic and site- based channels into comparable spectrum above 862 MHz. 191 We reiterate what was said in the 800 MHz R& O: in order to transfer a site- based facility into the ESMR segment, a licensee must: (a) currently hold an EA license in the relevant market; and (b) be using the site- based facility as part of a cellular- architecture system in that market as of the date of publication of this Report and Order in the Federal Register, 192 and (c) must have been an operational part of the licensee’s ESMR system, within the relevant EA. We slightly modify our criteria in this regard to provide that a non- Nextel, non- SouthernLINC, EA licensee, operating an ESMR system 189 See 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 15056- 57 ¶ 162. 190 If a non- Nextel ESMR licensee agrees to relocate into spectrum between 861- 862 MHz, Nextel may satisfy the comparable facility standard by funding the purchase and installation of any filters necessary to allow the licensee to operate without creating unacceptable interference to systems operating below 861 MHz. 191 See 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 15057 ¶ 163. 192 Id. It is possible that a circumstance could arise in which there was a pending, but not yet granted, application for assignment of the license of a site based system to the EA licensee in the same market, and that the site based system already was part of the EA licensee’s ESMR system pursuant to a spectrum lease. Should that, or a similar circumstance arise, parties have recourse to the Commission’s waiver process to argue that the channels in the site- based system should be moved into the ESMR portion of the band, where they would not be encumbered within the EA. 35 Federal Communications Commission FCC 04- 294 38 Commission approval. 203 83. In the 800 MHz R& O, we prohibited the issuance of new 800 MHz EA licenses in Spectrum Blocks G- V. 204 However, we recognize that, in the course of band reconfiguration, situations may arise in which it is necessary or desirable for licensees to “exchange” their EA licensees. Such an action constitutes modification of license and does not fall within the prohibition against issuance of “new” licenses. 84. We have considered that the band reconfiguration process could result in Nextel exchanging its EA licenses with other EA licensees that obtained their licenses through auctions in which they received small business bidding credits. 205 We find that this Commission mandated exchange does not trigger the “unjust enrichment” provisions of Section 1.2111 of our Rules, which requires refund of the bidding credit, plus interest, if the small business licensee transfers its license, during the initial term, to an applicant not qualifying for such credit. The rule is inapplicable here because the EA licenses at issue are not being transferred, but rather modified by Commission action pursuant to Section 316 of the Communications Act 206 as part of a “swap” of 800 MHz spectrum in order to avoid interference to public safety, CII and other “high- site” 800 MHz licensees. The Commission awards bidding credits to licensees based on eligibility for such benefits, not upon the characteristics of the particular spectrum license. 207 Here, where there is not a transfer or assignment of a license to trigger a Commission review of whether there is an unjust enrichment eligibility issue, the licensee will retain the designated entity benefits it received, albeit for modified spectrum licenses. All rights and obligations imposed upon the licensees that received licenses through an auction will remain in effect after the modifications. 208 Accordingly, we hold that, in the narrow circumstances present here, Section 1.2111 does not require an “unjust enrichment” analysis; and, therefore, that there is no need for waiver of Section 1.2111 of our Rules as suggested by Shulman Rogers. 209 The only change to the license will be the frequencies on which the licensee will operate its system. N. CMRS Relocation to the Guard Band 85. In the 800 MHz R& O we established a “Guard Band” in the 816- 817 MHz/ 861- 862 MHz segment of the 800 MHz band to guarantee public safety licensees an additional one megahertz spectral separation from the cellular portion of the band. 210 We prohibited the involuntary relocation of 203 See 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 15058, 15130 ¶¶ 167, 346. 204 See 47 C. F. R. § 90.617( d). 205 See Shulman Rogers Comments at 12. 206 37 U. S. C. § 316. 207 See 47 C. F. R. § 1.2110. 208 Should a designated entity licensee later seek to assign or transfer its modified spectrum license to an applicant that is not eligible for such benefits, the Commission will conduct an unjust enrichment analysis as of the date of the filing of the application. See, e. g., ,Amendment of the Commission's Rules Regarding Installment Payment Financing for Personal Communications Services (PCS) Licenses, WT Docket No. 97- 82, Fourth Report and Order, 13 FCC Rcd. 15743, 15768 (1998). 209 See Shulman Rogers Comments at 12. 210 See 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 15054 ¶ 157. 38 Federal Communications Commission FCC 04- 294 39 licensees— including public safety and CII licensees— to the Guard Band and grandfathered all non-Nextel CMRS licensees that currently operate within the Guard Band. 211 Grandfathered licensees could continue operating on their current frequencies, with currently authorized facilities, on a strict non-interference basis, subject to pre- coordination of any new or modified operations. 212 86. Subsequent to the release of 800 MHz R& O, Motient asked us to consider whether it could voluntarily relocate its non- ESMR CMRS systems to the Guard Band 213 to, inter alia, reduce the possibility that their systems, if later converted to different technology, could cause interference to public safety systems located below 816/ 862 MHz. 214 We note that our rules currently permit any licensee currently operating between 851 MHz and 861 MHz, except licensees proposing new ESMR systems, to relocate to the 861- 862 MHz Guard Band on a voluntary basis. Thus, to the extent that non- ESMR licensees wish to relocate to Guard Band channels that are: (a) unoccupied; and (b) are not necessary to accommodate existing ESMR systems that have elected to relocate there, such Guard Band channels may be used by licensees, such as Motient, that propose to operate non- ESMR systems there. We also note Motient’s request that uniform Guard Band channels be designated for it in all markets in which it operates. 215 Although we decline to require such uniform designation of channels, we envision that the Transition Administrator will attempt to accommodate such requests from Motient, or any other non-ESMR, licensee seeking to relocate to the Guard Band, so long as such an accommodation is consistent with sound spectrum policy. 216 We note, however, that, in the event that non- ESMR licensees, such as Motient, elect to move to the Guard Band, they will be subject to the technical and other restrictions associated with the Guard Band, including the sliding scale of interference protection. 217 Moreover, non-ESMR systems operating in the Guard Band are subject to the same interference restrictions as ESMRs operating in the Guard Band. We further note that if the requesting licensee must be relocated to implement band reconfiguration, the expense associated with relocating the licensee to the Guard Band will be borne by Nextel. Otherwise, the expense shall be borne by the relocating licensee. O. 800 MHz Application Freeze 87. In the 800 MHz R& O, we envisioned maintaining a stable spectral status quo during the retuning of each region. To ensure a stable spectral status quo in a particular NPSPAC region, we concluded that we would freeze the acceptance of new 800 MHz applications beginning when we issue the Public Notice announcing the date when voluntary negotiation of relocation agreements must be concluded in that region until thirty working days after the completion of mandatory negotiations in that region. 218 We now recognize, however, that the spectrum environment in a NPSPAC region can be 211 Id. 212 Id. 213 See 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 15057 ¶ 162. 214 See Letter from Robert A. Mazer, Esq., Counsel to Motient Corporation (Motient), to Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) (filed Dec 8, 2004). 215 See Comments of Motient Corporation at 5 (filed Dec. 2, 2004). 216 See 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 15054- 55 ¶¶ 157- 158. 217 Id. 218 See 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 15078 ¶ 204. 39 Federal Communications Commission FCC 04- 294 40 affected by stations up to seventy miles from the region boundaries. Accordingly, the referenced Public Notice freezing the acceptance of applications will apply to systems within, and up to seventy miles outside, the boundaries of the NPSPAC region. P. Nextel’s 900 MHz Operations 88. In the 800 MHz R& O, we allowed 900 MHz PLMR licensees to initiate CMRS operations on their currently authorized spectrum or to assign their authorizations to others for CMRS use. 219 We did so, in part, in the recognition that this would give Nextel the ability to shift some of its 800 MHz operations to 900 MHz while 800 MHz band reconfiguration was being accomplished. 220 Although Section 22.917 of our Rules 221 places out- of- band emission limits on Cellular A and B block systems adjacent to the 900 MHz SMR band, and allows us to increase those limits if interference results, Nextel has requested a statement that the rule would, in fact, apply to protect Nextel’s 900 MHz operations. Although we believe the rule is clear on its face, we accede to the request and state that it does apply to cellular systems affecting Nextel’s 900 MHz operations. 222 Q. Applications During the Transition Period 89. In the 800 MHz R& O, we updated our Part 90 rules to reflect the band plan we adopted after reconfiguration of the 800 MHz band. 223 Specifically, we updated the channel plan and re- designated channels among the various pools (public safety, B/ ILT or SMR). 224 Nonetheless, we note that during the transition to a reconfigured 800 MHz band, licensees will continue to operate in accordance with the prior band plan. Furthermore, we note that we permit applicants during the transition period to file applications until we announce an application freeze for a particular NPSPAC region. 225 On our own motion, we clarify that applicants filing before release of the freeze public notice must file for channels available pursuant to the prior band plan unless the application effects a channel change consistent with the band reconfiguration plan. 226 This distinction is particularly important to applicants in the border regions which must apply for channels under the previous 800 MHz band plan until we adopt a new band plan for the border regions. 227 Consequently, in order to provide guidance to applicants that file during the transition period, we are amending our rules to indicate that applicants filing an application before the 219 See 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 15127 ¶¶ 336- 337. 220 See 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 15127 ¶ 336. 221 See 47 C. F. R. § 22.917( d). 222 Id. 223 See 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 15048- 56 ¶¶ 149- 161 and Appendix C. 224 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 15161- 78, 15180- 86, Appendix C, 47 C. F. R. §§ 90.613 and 90.617. 225 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 15078 ¶ 204. 226 For instance, prior to reconfiguration of a particular NPSPAC region, a NPSPAC licensee filing an application (other then for band reconfiguration) would need to apply for channels in the 821- 824 MHz/ 866- 869 MHz portion of the band. Only after a freeze on applications is lifted and the NPSPAC block is relocated would the NPSPAC licensee be eligible to apply for channels in the 806- 809 MHz/ 851- 854 MHz portion of the band. 227 See 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 15063 ¶ 176. 40 Federal Communications Commission FCC 04- 294 41 announcement of an application freeze within a NPSPAC region, should specify channels based on the band plan in effect prior to adoption of the 800 MHz R& O unless the applicant files a waiver request demonstrating that the application is necessary in order to accomplish band reconfiguration. R. Comments Outside the Scope of the Public Notice 90. Certain parties filing comments in response to the Public Notice issued on October 22, 2004 228 addressed issues unrelated to the matters Nextel had raised in its ex parte communications. Inasmuch as those comments were outside the scope of the Public Notice, we have not treated them here. Moreover, we have not addressed in this Order each issue raised in said ex parte communications. Thus, in the interest of compiling a complete record, we will consider those comments as petitions for reconsideration of the 800 MHz R& O, together with such other petitions for reconsideration as may be timely filed. In so doing, we are not precluding such parties from filing petitions for reconsideration in addition to the comments they may have filed in response to the Public Notice. IV. CONCLUSION 91. As we stated in the 800 MHz R& O, there may be no matter within our jurisdiction more crucial to Homeland Security and the overall general safety of life and property than assuring that public safety communications systems are free from unacceptable interference and have adequate capacity. 229 The orders we issue today provide the 800 MHz land mobile radio community with a clearer path to that important goal. V. PROCEDURAL MATTERS A. Supplemental Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 92. The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) 230 requires that an agency prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis for notice- and- comment rulemaking proceedings, unless the agency certifies that “the rule will not, if promulgated, have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.” 231 The RFA generally defines “small entity” as having the same meaning as the terms “small business,” “small organization,” and “small governmental jurisdiction.” 232 In addition, the term “small business” has the same meaning as the term “small business concern” under the Small Business Act. 233 A 228 See n. 5 supra. 229 800 MHz R& O, 19 FCC Rcd 15128 ¶ 338. 230 The RFA, see 5 U. S. C. §§ 601- 612, has been amended by the Contract With America Advancement Act of 1996, Pub. L. No. 104- 121, 110 Stat. 847 (1996) (CWAAA). Title II of the CWAAA is the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (SBREFA). 231 See 5 U. S. C. § 605( b). 232 5 U. S. C. § 601( 6). 233 5 U. S. C § 601( 3) (incorporating by reference the definition of “small business concern” in Small Business Act, 15 U. S. C. § 632). Pursuant to 5 U. S. C. § 601( 3), the statutory definition of a small business applies “unless an agency, after consultation with the Office of Advocacy of the Small Business Administration and after opportunity for public comment, establishes one or more definitions of such term which are appropriate to the activities of the agency and publishes such definition( s) in the Federal Register.” 41 Federal Communications Commission FCC 04- 294 44 plan. The Commission certifies, pursuant to the RFA, that the clarifications and rule changes contained in this Supplemental Order and Order on Reconsideration will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, including businesses with fewer than 25 employees. 95. Report to Congress. The Commission will send a copy of this Supplemental Order and Order on Reconsideration, including this Supplemental Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (SFRFA), in a report to be sent to Congress and the General Accounting Office pursuant to the Congressional Review Act. 236 In addition the Commission will send a copy of the Supplemental Order and Order on Reconsideration including a copy of this Supplemental Final Regulatory Flexibility Certification, to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the SBA. 237 A summary of this Supplemental Order and Order on Reconsideration and this certification will also be published in the Federal Register. 238 B. Paperwork Reduction Act Analysis 96. The action contained herein has been analyzed with respect to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) and found to impose no new or modified reporting or recordkeeping requirements or burdens to the public, including business with fewer than 25 employees. VI. ORDERING CLAUSES 97. IT IS ORDERED that, pursuant to the authority of Sections 1, 4( i), 303( f) and (r), 309, 316, and 332 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U. S. C. §§ 151, 154( i), 303( f) and (r), 309, 316, and 332, the 800 MHz R& O is modified to the extent described herein. 98. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Nextel Communications, Inc. is hereby ORDERED to surrender its spectrum authorizations in the 746- 747 MHz, 776- 777 MHz 762- 764 MHz and 792- 794 MHz bands on or before THIRTY DAYS FROM PUBLICATION OF THIS ORDER IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER. 99. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the rule changes set forth in Appendix A WILL BECOME EFFECTIVE THIRTY DAYS AFTER PUBLICATION OF THIS ORDER IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER. This action is taken pursuant to Sections 1, 4( i), 303( f) and (r), 309, 316 and 332 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U. S. C. §§ 151, 154( i), 303( f) and (r), 309, 316, and 332. 100. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Supplemental Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis, required by Section 604 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U. S. C. 604, and as set forth in herein is ADOPTED. 101. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Commission's Consumer Information and Governmental Affairs Bureau, Reference Information Center, SHALL SEND a copy of this Supplemental Order and Order on Reconsideration, including the Supplemental Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis, to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration. 236 See 5 U. S. C. § 801( a)( 1)( A). 237 See 5 U. S. C. § 605( b). 238 Id. 44 Federal Communications Commission FCC 04- 294 45 FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary 45 Federal Communications Commission FCC 04- 294 46 APPENDIX A FINAL RULES PART 90 – PRIVATE LAND MOBILE RADIO SERVICES 1. The authority citation for Part 90 continues to read as follows: (i), 11, 303( g), 303( r), and 302( c)( 7) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U. S. C. 154( i), 161, 303( g), 303( r), 332( c)( 7). 2. Paragraph (j)( 7) of Section 90.175 is modified to indicate that application filed exclusively to modify channels in accordance with band reconfiguration need not show evidence of frequency coordination. Paragraph (j)( 7) of Section 90.175 is currently reserved. § 90.175 Frequency Coordinator Requirements. * * * * * (j) * * * (7) Applications filed exclusively to modify channels in accordance with band reconfiguration in the 806- 824/ 851- 869 MHz band. * * * * * 3. Section 90.613 is amended to clarify that applicants filing for an application before the announcement of an application freeze within a NPSPAC region, should specify channels based on the band plan in effect prior to adoption of the 800 MHz R& O. § 90.613 Frequencies available. The following tables indicate the channel designations of frequencies available for assignment to eligible applicants under this subpart. Frequencies shall be assigned in pairs, with mobile and control station transmitting frequencies taken from the 806– 824 MHz band with corresponding base station frequencies being 45 MHz higher and taken from the 851– 869 MHz band, or with mobile and control station frequencies taken from the 896– 901 MHz band with corresponding base station frequencies being 39 MHz higher and taken from the 935– 940 MHz band. Only the base station transmitting frequency of each pair is listed in the following tables. Applicants filing for channels prior to the announcement of an application freeze within an 800 MHz NPSPAC region, however, should specify channels based on the table listed in § 90.613 (2003). * * * * * 4. Section 90.614 is amended to indicate that only ESMR systems may operate in the cellular portion of the 800 MHz band. § 90.614 Cellular and non- cellular portions of 806- 824/ 851- 869 MHz band for non- border areas. The 806- 824/ 851- 869 MHz band (“ 800 MHz band”) will be divided as follows at locations farther then 110 km (68.4 miles) from the U. S./ Mexico border and 140 km (87 miles) from the U. S./ Canadian border (“ non- border areas”) 46 Federal Communications Commission FCC 04- 294 47 (a) 800 MHz cellular systems – as defined in § 90.7 – are prohibited from operating on channels 1- 550 in non- border areas. (b) Only ESMR systems – as defined in § 90.7 – are permitted to operate on channels 551- 830 in non- border areas. (c) In the following counties and parishes, only ESMR systems – as defined in § 90.7 – are permitted to operate on channels 411- 830. * * * * * 5. Section 90.615 is amended to include channels 511- 550 in the General Category and to clarify when public safety and CII licensees have exclusive access to channels 231- 260. Section 90.615 is also amended to include Spectrum Block F1 which will now remain intact after band reconfiguration. § 90.615 Individual channels available in the General Category in 806- 824/ 851- 869 MHz band. The General Category will consist of channels 231- 260 and 511- 550 at locations farther then 110 km (68.4 miles) from the U. S./ Mexico border and 140 km (87 miles) from the U. S./ Canadian border. All entities will be eligible for licensing on these channels except as described in paragraph (a) and (b) below. (a) In a given 800 MHz NPSPAC region, any channel in the 231- 260 range which is vacated by an ESMR licensee and remains vacant after band reconfiguration will be available as follows: (1) only to eligible applicants in the Public Safety Category until three years after the release of a public notice announcing the completion of band reconfiguration in that region; (2) only to eligible applicants in the Public Safety or Critical Infrastructure Industry Categories from three to five years after the release of a public notice announcing the completion of band reconfiguration in that region; (3) to all entities five years after release of a public notice announcing the completion of band reconfiguration in that region. (b) In a given 800 MHz NPSPAC region, any channel in the 231- 260 range which is vacated by a licensee relocating to channels 511- 550 and remains vacant after band reconfiguration will be available as follows: (1) only to eligible applicants in the Public Safety Category until three years after the release of a public notice announcing the completion of band reconfiguration in that region; (2) only to eligible applicants in the Public Safety or Critical Infrastructure Industry Categories from three to five years after the release of a public notice announcing the completion of band reconfiguration in that region; (3) to all entities five years after release of a public notice announcing the completion of band reconfiguration in that region. (b) Spectrum Block F1 consists of channels 236- 260. 47 Federal Communications Commission FCC 04- 294 48 6. Paragraphs (g) and (h) of Section 90.617 are amended to clarify when public safety and CII licensees will have exclusive access to channels vacated by ESMR licensees or licensees relocating to the Guard Band. § 90.617 Frequencies in the 809.750- 824/ 854.750- 869 MHz, and 896- 901/ 935- 940 MHz bands available for trunked, conventional or cellular system use in non- border areas. * * * * * (g) In a given 800 MHz NPSPAC region, channels below 470 listed in Tables 2 and 4B which are vacated by an ESMR licensee and remain vacant after band reconfiguration will be available as follows: (1) only to eligible applicants in the Public Safety Category until three years after the release of a public notice announcing the completion of band reconfiguration in that region; (2) only to eligible applicants in the Public Safety or Critical Infrastructure Industry Categories from three to five years after the release of a public notice announcing the completion of band reconfiguration in that region; (3) five years after the release of a public notice announcing the completion of band reconfiguration in that region, these channels revert back to their original pool categories. (h) In a given 800 MHz NPSPAC region, channels below 470 listed in Tables 2 and 4B which are vacated by a licensee relocating to channels 511- 550 and remain vacant after band reconfiguration will be available as follows: (1) only to eligible applicants in the Public Safety Category until three years after the release of a public notice announcing the completion of band reconfiguration in that region; (2) only to eligible applicants in the Public Safety or Critical Infrastructure Industry Categories from three to five years after the release of a public notice announcing the completion of band reconfiguration in that region; (3) five years after the release of a public notice announcing the completion of band reconfiguration in that region, these channels revert back to their original pool categories. * * * * * 7. Paragraph (b) of Section 90.621 is amended to include Spectrum Block F1 which will now remain intact after band reconfiguration. § 90.621 Selection and assignment of frequencies. * * * * * (b) Stations authorized on frequencies listed in this subpart, except for those stations authorized pursuant to paragraph (g) of this section and EA- based and MTA- based SMR systems, will be assigned frequencies solely on the basis of fixed distance separation criteria. The separation between co- channel systems will be a minimum of 113 km (70 mi) with one exception. For incumbent licensees in Channel Blocks F1 through V, that have received the consent of all affected parties or a certified frequency coordinator to utilize an 18 dBµV/ m signal strength interference contour (see 48 Federal Communications Commission FCC 04- 294 49 §90.693), the separation between co- channel systems will be a minimum of 173 km (107 mi). The following exceptions to these separations shall apply: (1) Except as indicated in paragraph (b)( 4) of this section, no station in Channel Blocks A through V shall be less than 169 km (105 mi) distant from a co- channel station that has been granted channel exclusivity and authorized 1 kW ERP on any of the following mountaintop sites: Santiago Peak, Sierra Peak, Mount Lukens, Mount Wilson (California). Except as indicated in paragraph (b)( 4) of this section, no incumbent licensee in Channel Blocks F1 through V that has received the consent of all affected parties or a certified frequency coordinator to utilize an 18 dBµV/ m signal strength interference contour shall be less than 229 km (142 mi) distant from a co- channel station that has been granted channel exclusivity and authorized 1 kW ERP on any of the following mountaintop sites: Santiago Peak, Sierra Peak, Mount Lukens, Mount Wilson (California). * * * * * (3) Except as indicated in paragraph (b)( 4) of this section, stations in Channel Blocks A through V that have been granted channel exclusivity and are located in the State of Washington at the locations listed below shall be separated from co- channel stations by a minimum of 169 km (105 mi). Except as indicated in paragraph (b)( 4) of this section, incumbent licensees in Channel Blocks F1 through V that have received the consent of all affected parties or a certified frequency coordinator to utilize an 18 dBµV/ m signal strength interference contour, have been granted channel exclusivity and are located in the State of Washington at the locations listed below shall be separated from co- channel stations by a minimum of 229 km (142 mi). Locations within one mile of the geographical coordinates listed in the table below will be considered to be at that site. * * * * * 8. A new paragraph (b)( 6) is added to Section 90.676 § 90.676 Transition administrator for reconfiguration of the 806- 824/ 851- 869 MHz band in order to separate cellular systems from non- cellular systems. * * * * * (b) * * * (6) Notify the Commission when band reconfiguration is complete in each 800 MHz NPSPAC Region and identify which vacant channels are exclusively available to eligible applicants in the Public Safety or Critical Infrastructure Industry Categories as set forth in §§ 90.615( a), (b) and §§ 90.617( g), (h). 9. Paragraph (b) of Section 90.685 is amended to include Spectrum Block F1 which will now remain intact after band reconfiguration. § 90.685 Authorization, construction and implementation of EA licenses. * * * * * (b) EA licensees in the 809– 824/ 854– 869 MHz band must, within three years of the grant of their initial license, construct and place into operation a sufficient number of base stations to provide 49 Federal Communications Commission FCC 04- 294 50 coverage to at least one- third of the population of its EA- based service area. Further, each EA licensee must provide coverage to at least two- thirds of the population of the EA- based service area within five years of the grant of their initial license. EA- based licensees may, in the alternative, provide substantial service to their markets within five years of the grant of their initial license. Substantial service shall be defined as: “Service which is sound, favorable, and substantially above a level of mediocre service.” * * * * * 10. Paragraphs (c), and (d)( 2) of Section 90.693 are amended to include Spectrum Block F1 which will now remain intact after band reconfiguration. § 90.693 Grandfathering provisions for incumbent licensees. * * * * * (c) Special provisions for Spectrum Blocks F1 through V. Incumbent licensees that have received the consent of all affected parties or a certified frequency coordinator to utilize an 18 dBµV/ m signal strength interference contour shall have their service area defined by their originally- licensed 36 dBµV/ m field strength contour and their interference contour shall be defined as their originally-licensed 18 dBµV/ m field strength contour. The “originally- licensed” contour shall be calculated using the maximum ERP and the actual HAAT along each radial. Incumbent licensees seeking to utilize an 18 dBµV/ m signal strength interference contour shall first seek to obtain the consent of affected co- channel incumbents. When the consent of a co- channel licensee is withheld, an incumbent licensee may submit to any certified frequency coordinator an engineering study showing that interference will not occur, together with proof that the incumbent licensee has sought consent. Incumbent licensees are permitted to add, remove or modify transmitter sites within their original 18 dBµV/ m field strength contour without prior notification to the Commission so long as their original 18 dBµV/ m field strength contour is not expanded and the station complies with the Commission's short- spacing criteria in §§ 90.621( b)( 4) through 90.621( b)( 6). Incumbent licensee protection extends only to its 36 dBµV/ m signal strength contour. Pursuant to the minor modification notification procedure set forth in 1.947( b), the incumbent licensee must notify the Commission within 30 days of any changes in technical parameters or additional stations constructed that fall within the short-spacing criteria. See 47 CFR 90.621( b). * * * * * (d) * * * (2) Special Provisions for Spectrum Blocks F1 through V. Incumbent licensees that have received the consent of all affected parties or a certified frequency coordinator to utilize an 18 dBµV/ m signal strength interference contour operating at multiple sites may, after grant of EA licenses has been completed, exchange multiple site licenses for a single license. This single site license will authorize operations throughout the contiguous and overlapping 36 dBµV/ m field strength contours of the multiple sites. Incumbents exercising this license exchange option must submit specific information on Form 601 for each of their external base sites after the close of the 800 SMR auction. The incumbent's geographic license area is defined by the contiguous and overlapping 18 dBµV/ m contours of its constructed and operational external base stations and interior sites that are constructed within the construction period applicable to the incumbent. Once the geographic license is issued, facilities that are added within an incumbent's existing footprint and that are not subject to prior approval by the Commission will not be subject to construction requirements. 50 Federal Communications Commission FCC 04- 294 51 * * * * * 51 Federal Communications Commission FCC 04- 294 52 APPENDIX B ILLUSTRATIVE FORM OF LETTER OF CREDIT [Subject to Issuing Bank Requirements] No. __________ [Date of Issuance] [Trustee] [Address] Ladies and Gentlemen: We hereby establish, at the request and for the account of Nextel Communications, Inc., in your favor, as required under the [Report and Order and Fifth Report and Order and Fourth Memorandum Opinion and Order, and Order dated as of __________, 2004] issued by the Federal Communications Commission (“ FCC”) in the matter of Improving Public Safety Communications in the 800 MHz Band (the “Order”), our Irrevocable Letter of Credit No. _________, in the amount of [NOTE: the initial aggregate amount of all letters of credit shall add to $2,500,000,000 (Two Billion Five Hundred Million United States Dollars)], expiring at the close of banking business at our office described in the following paragraph, on [the date which is five years from the date of issuance/ or the date which is one year from the date of issuance, provided the Issuing Bank includes an evergreen clause that provides for automatic renewal unless the Issuing Bank gives notice of non- renewal to the Trustee, with a copy to the FCC, at least sixty days but not more than ninety days prior to the expiry thereof], or such earlier date as the Letter of Credit is terminated by the Trustee (the “Expiration Date”). Capitalized terms used herein but not defined herein shall have the meanings accorded such terms in the Order. Funds under this Letter of Credit are available to you against your draft in the form attached hereto as Annex A, drawn on our office described below, and referring thereon to the number of this Letter of Credit, accompanied by your written and completed certificate signed by you substantially in the form of Annex B- 1 attached hereto and, if applicable, the Transition Administrator’s written and completed certificate signed by the Transition Administrator substantially in the form of Annex B- 2 attached hereto. Such draft and certificates shall be dated the date of presentation or an earlier date, which presentation shall be made at our office located at [BANK ADDRESS] and shall be effected either by personal delivery or delivery by a nationally recognized overnight delivery service. We hereby commit and agree to accept such presentation at such office, and if such presentation of documents appears on its face to comply with the terms and conditions of this Letter of Credit, on or prior to the Expiration Date, we will honor the same not later than the first banking day after presentation thereof in accordance with your payment instructions. Payment under this Letter of Credit shall be made by [check/ wire transfer of Federal Reserve Bank of New York funds] to the payee and for the account you designate, in accordance with the instructions set forth in a draft presented in connection with a draw under this Letter of Credit. Partial drawings are permitted under this Letter of Credit, and the amount of this Letter of Credit shall be reduced by each such partial draw hereunder. 52 Federal Communications Commission FCC 04- 294 53 This Letter of Credit shall be subject to automatic amendment by a decrease in the amount available hereunder to the amount specified in a Transition Administrator’s certificate purportedly signed by the Transition administrator or, if not an individual, by two authorized representatives of the Transition Administrator, and countersigned by an authorized signatory of the FCC in the form attached as Annex C, which amendment shall automatically become effective upon receipt of such certificate. This Letter of Credit shall be canceled and terminated upon receipt by us of the Transition Administrator’s certificate purportedly signed by the Transition Administrator or, if not an individual, by two authorized representatives of the Transition Administrator, and in either case countersigned by an authorized signatory of the FCC in the form attached as Annex D. This Letter of Credit is not transferable or assignable in whole or in part, except that this Letter of Credit may be assigned or transferred to any successor trustee succeeding you upon [insert Issuing Bank’s standard practice language, such as language regarding requirements for timely notification and supplemental documentation.] This Letter of Credit sets forth in full the undertaking of the Issuer, and such undertaking shall not in any way be modified, amended, amplified or limited by reference to any document, instrument or agreement referred to herein, except only the certificates and the drafts referred to herein and the ISP (as defined below); and any such reference shall not be deemed to incorporate herein by reference any document, instrument or agreement except for such certificates and such drafts and the ISP. This Letter of Credit shall be subject to, governed by, and construed in accordance with, the International Standby Practices 1998, International Chamber of Commerce Publication No. 590 (the “ISP”), which is incorporated into the text of this Letter of Credit by this reference, and, to the extent not inconsistent therewith, the laws of the State of New York, including the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the State of New York. Communications with respect to this Letter of Credit shall be addressed to us at our address set forth below, specifically referring to the number of this Letter of Credit. [NAME OF BANK] [BANK SIGNATURE] 53 Federal Communications Commission FCC 04- 294 54 APPENDIX B ANNEX A Form of Draft To: [Issuing Bank] DRAWN ON LETTER OF CREDIT No: ______________ AT SIGHT PAY TO THE ORDER OF _________________________________[ insert name of Trustee] BY [CHECK/ WIRE TRANSFER OF FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF NEW YORK] FUNDS TO: _____________ _______________ _______________ Account (__________________________) AS 800 MHz RELOCATION and TRANSITION PAYMENTS [AMOUNT IN WORDS] DOLLARS AND NO/ CENTS $[ AMOUNT IN NUMBERS] [TRUSTEE] By: ________________________________ 54 Federal Communications Commission FCC 04- 294 55 APPENDIX B ANNEX B- 1 Draw Certificate The undersigned hereby certifies to [Name of Bank] (the “Bank”), with reference to (a) Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit No. [Number] (the “Letter of Credit”) issued by the Bank in favor of the [Trustee] and (b) [paragraph 332] of the [Report and Order and Fifth Report and Order and Fourth Memorandum Opinion and Order, and Order] dated as of __________, 2004] issued by the Federal Communications Commission in the matter of Improving Public Safety Communications in the 800 MHz Band (the “Order”), pursuant to which Nextel Communications, Inc. (the “LC Provider”) has provided the Letter of Credit (all capitalized terms used herein but not defined herein having the meaning stated in the Order), that: [i. The Transition Administrator has certified to the Trustee that pursuant to the Order, a payment in the amount of $_____ is appropriate to be made to the Trustee to hold in trust and disburse to ___________________ to satisfy a payment obligation of the LC provider, and further certifying that the Transition Administrator instructs the Trustee to make such payment via draw on Letter of Credit No. _______; and ii. A copy of the signed certification referred to in clause (i) above and in the form of Annex B- 2 to Letter of Credit No. _____________, purportedly signed by or on behalf of the Transition Administrator is attached hereto.] OR [The FCC has certified to the Trustee that pursuant to paragraph 184 of the Order and the Commission’s finding that Nextel is in material breach of the terms of the Order, the Trustee is entitled to receive payment of $____________________ , to hold in trust and disburse in accordance with the terms of the Order. OR [The FCC has certified to the Trustee that pursuant to paragraph 185 of the Order, the Commission has approved the use of $_________________ of letter of credit proceeds to compensate [the Transition Administrator/ the Trustee] for their services.] OR [The FCC has certified to the Trustee that given notice of non- renewal of Letter of Credit No. ______________ and failure of the account party to obtain a satisfactory replacement thereof, pursuant to the Order, the Trustee is entitled to receive payment of $_______________ representing the remaining amount of Letter of Credit No. ________________, to hold in trust and disburse pursuant to the Order.] OR [The FCC has certified to the Trustee that pursuant to [paragraph 186 of the Order, the Commission has determined that $____________________ of letter of credit proceeds be drawn for payment to the United States Treasury/ pursuant to paragraph 330 of the Order, Nextel has 55 Federal Communications Commission FCC 04- 294 56 elected to apply $_______________ of letter of credit proceeds for payment to the United States Treasury.] IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this certificate as of [specify time of day] on the ____ day of _____________, 200__. [TRUSTEE ] By: _____________________________________ Name: Title: 56 Federal Communications Commission FCC 04- 294 57 APPENDIX B ANNEX B- 2 Draw Certificate of Transition Administrator The undersigned hereby certifies to the[ Trustee] (the “Trustee”), with reference to [paragraph 332 of the [Report and Order and Fifth Report and Order and Fourth Memorandum Opinion and Order, and Order dated as of __________, 2004] issued by the Federal Communications Commission in the matter of Improving Public Safety Communications in the 800 MHz Band (the “Order”), pursuant to which Nextel Communications, Inc. (the “LC Provider”) has provided the Letter of Credit (all capitalized terms used herein but not defined herein having the meaning stated in the Order), that: i. ____________________________________________[ Name of licensee] is an 800 MHz licensee that has obtained a quotation for [estimated expenses/ final expenses] in the amount of $ ____________________ in connection with transition from ________ [specify spectrum] to _______________ [specify spectrum]. On ___________[ date] (the “Obligation Date”), this quotation was [deemed reasonable by the Transition Administrator/ deemed final after application of the dispute resolution mechanisms in the Order], and notification thereof was made to the LC Provider for payment. The period of forty (40) days has expired since the Obligation Date, without evidence of payment of such obligation by the LC Provider. The Transition Administrator has determined no good causes existed for the LC Provider to fail to honor such payment obligation. ii. The undersigned has established and will maintain for [specify time period] a file containing documents and records that demonstrate with reasonable specificity according to industry standards and [financial standards for expense documentation / other standards or standards contained in the Order] conclusions stated in its certification in clause (i) above, and such file shall be available during regular business hours for inspection or audit by the auditors specified in the tri- party agreement between the Transition Administrator, the Letter of Credit Trustee and Nextel Telecom dealing with, inter alia, the subject matter hereof. Based on the foregoing, the Transition Administrator hereby directs the Trustee to draw on the Letter of Credit in the amount and for the benefit of the party specified in clause (i) above, and to make payment of the above amount (from the proceeds of the Letter of Credit) by ______________[ INSERT DATE seventy (70) days after the Obligation Date] to ______________________ [name of licensee] payable as follows: [Insert Payment Instructions for licensee/ or indicate payment instructions to follow in separate documentation] 57 Federal Communications Commission FCC 04- 294 58 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this certificate as of the ____ day of _____________, 200__. [TRANSITION ADMINISTRATOR ] [TWO SIGNATURES REQUIRED IF TRANSITION ADMINISTRATOR IS AN ENTITY; ONE SIGNATURE REQUIRED IF TRANSITION ADMINISTRATOR IS A NATURAL PERSON] By: _____________________________________ Name: Title: [By: _____________________________________] Name: Title: 58 Federal Communications Commission FCC 04- 294 59 APPENDIX B ANNEX C Certificate Regarding Reduction of Letter of Credit The undersigned hereby certifies to [Name of Bank] (the “Bank”), with reference to (a) Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit No. [Number] (the “Letter of Credit”) issued by the Bank in favor of the [trustee], and (b) [paragraph 332] of the [Report and Order and Fifth Report and Order and Fourth Memorandum Opinion and Order, and Order] dated as of __________, 2004] issued by the Federal Communications Commission (“ FCC”) in the matter of Improving Public Safety Communications in the 800 MHz Band (the “Order”), (all capitalized terms used herein but not defined herein having the meaning stated or described in the Order), that: (1) the undersigned Transition Administrator has documented, pursuant to the Order, that $_______________ [amount] of payments have been made directly by Nextel Communications, Inc. (“ Obligor”) with respect to Obligor’s obligations under the Order to pay for the reconfiguration of the 800 MHz band (the “Reconfiguration Obligations”), and that such amount has not yet been applied towards a reduction of any letter of credit supporting the Reconfiguration Obligations; and (2) the amount of the Letter of Credit shall be reduced to the amount equal to $____________ [_______________ Dollars]; and (3) after applying the reduction referred to in clause (2) above, the aggregate undrawn face amount of all letters of credit supporting the Reconfiguration Obligations will not be less than $850 million. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this certificate as of the ____ day of _____________, 200_. [TRANSITION ADMINISTRATOR ] [TWO SIGNATURES REQUIRED IF TRANSITION ADMINISTRATOR IS AN ENTITY; ONE SIGNATURE REQUIRED IF TRANSITION ADMINISTRATOR IS A NATURAL PERSON] By: _____________________________________ Name: Title: [By: _____________________________________] Name: Title: COUNTERSIGNED: Federal Communications Commission By: __________________________________ Name: Its Authorized Signatory 59 Federal Communications Commission FCC 04- 294 60 APPENDIX B ANNEX D Certificate Regarding Termination of Letter of Credit The undersigned hereby certifies to [Name of Bank] (the “Bank”), with reference to (a) Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit No. [Number] (the “Letter of Credit”) issued by the Bank in favor of the [trustee], and (b) [paragraph 332] of the [Report and Order and Fifth Report and Order and Fourth Memorandum Opinion and Order, and Order] dated as of __________, 2004] issued by the Federal Communications Commission (“ FCC”) in the matter of Improving Public Safety Communications in the 800 MHz Band (the “Order”), (all capitalized terms used herein but not defined herein having the meaning stated or described in the Order), that: (1) [include one of the following clauses, as applicable] (a) The Order has been fulfilled in accordance with the provisions thereof; (b) Nextel Communications, Inc. has paid to the appropriate parties all amounts it is required to pay pursuant to the terms of the Order; or (c) Nextel Communications, Inc. has provided a replacement letter of credit satisfactory to the FCC. (2) By reason of the event or circumstance described in paragraph (1) of this certificate, and effective upon the receipt by the Bank of this certificate (countersigned as set forth below), the Letter of Credit is terminated. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this certificate as of the ____ day of _____________, 200_. [TRANSITION ADMINISTRATOR ] [TWO SIGNATURES REQUIRED IF TRANSITION ADMINISTRATOR IS AN ENTITY; ONE SIGNATURE REQUIRED IF TRANSITION ADMINISTRATOR IS A NATURAL PERSON] By: _____________________________________ Name: Title: [By: _____________________________________] Name: Title: COUNTERSIGNED: Federal Communications Commission By: __________________________________ Name: Its Authorized Signatory 60 Federal Communications Commission FCC 04- 294 66 SEPARATE STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER MICHAEL J. COPPS Concurring RE: Improving Public Safety Communications in the 800 MHz Band (Supplemental Order and Order on Reconsideration; released December 22, 2004). In this order the Commission resolves many important issues related to our effort to reduce interference to public safety in the 800 MHz band. I am pleased that we are taking this step and support the result of this order, which moves us significantly closer to the initiation of a successful rebanding process. I am uncomfortable, however, with the decision to change the valuation of Nextel’s spectrum by close to half a billion dollars -- an increase of nearly twenty percent. While I believe that Nextel has demonstrated that its spectrum holdings are different than the assumption we made in the original order, I am concerned that the process that the Commission has used here to determine value has become too imprecise. Given the short time available, I do not believe that the Commission had the capacity to independently pinpoint the exact nature of Nextel’s holdings, as we do here but did not do in the previous order. Additionally, if we must reassess the value of Nextel’s spectrum, I would have preferred to reassess the MHz/ POP multiplier that we employ in light of changes in the marketplace and transactions that occurred after we adopted our first order. Given the magnitude of the valuation at issue, I will therefore concur. 66 Federal Communications Commission FCC 04- 294 67 STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER JONATHAN S. ADELSTEIN Re: Improving Public Safety Communications in the 800 MHz Band; Supplemental Order and Order on Reconsideration; WT Docket No. 02- 55 Everyone agrees that the top priority of this proceeding has been resolving the 800 MHz interference problem currently experienced by our nation’s first responders. In addressing that critical goal, though, one of my next top objectives has been to minimize the impact of our decision on 800 MHz licensees not directly affected or implicated by the interference problem. Over the last decade or so, the 800 MHz band has evolved into one of the premier land mobile radio communications bands and is now the home to thousands of licensees from all sectors of industry and state and local government. I have worked hard to protect the rights of these licensees during this proceeding because it simply is the right thing to do. In this regard, I am pleased to support the clarifications in this Order addressing the relocation of one group of 800 MHz licensees – those non- Nextel, non- SouthernLINC licensees who hold Economic Area (EA) licensees. We rightly confirm that existing ESMR licensees like AIRPEAK and Airtel have the option to be relocated at Nextel’s expense to the ESMR portion of the band (862- 869 MHz). We also clarify that site- based licenses used within ESMR systems can be relocated at Nextel’s expense to the 862- 869 MHz block – even if they are not located within the licensee’s EA – provided that the conditions laid out in paragraph 163 of the 800 MHz Report and Order are satisfied. If ESMR licensees think that this standard is too restrictive for certain operational sites in their system, they should file a waiver request detailing why this outcome is not in the public interest. In the item, we also provide an opportunity to EA licensees who presently do not meet the ESMR definition but are interested in operating an ESMR system in the above 862 MHz band. These licensees can choose to move to the ESMR band and retain the “white space” they currently hold through their EA license provided they are willing to operate a cellular system in the band pursuant to technical rules clarified in this item. In the alternative, these EA licensees can remain in the band below 862 MHz, and operate “high- site” systems. The choice is theirs, and that is the right outcome of this proceeding. Finally, I very much appreciate the support of my colleagues and the hard work of the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau in providing for the important clarifications in this Order. 67