Nextel accepts terms of 800-MHz rebanding order

Pit & Quarry, March, 2005

Nextel has officially accepted the terms of an Order issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on rebanding the 800 MHz communications spectrum to avoid interference between cellular phones and police, fire and business/industrial radios. Although there is still a pending lawsuit brought by a few minor service providers attempting to block implementation of this plan, recent court decisions greatly diminish the likelihood of their success and rebanding should commence on June 27, says the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association.

Many aggregate producers currently utilize mobile two-way radios operating in the 800 MHz band. The FCC plan places the onus to pay the costs for rebanding totally upon Nextel. This plan is based upon the consensus proposal put forth by the Private Wireless Coalition.