FCC Pushing Sprint to End Interference
The FCC is stepping up pressure on Sprint Nextel to clear out from certain cellular frequencies to reduce interference to public safety transmissions.
Interference is being caused by Nextel's walkie-talkie feature, which sits on frequencies close to the one used by first responders. In some cases, it is cutting off communications completely between officers and dispatchers.
The problem has only gotten worse with the increasing popularity of the 'chirp,' as Nextel's two-way feature is colloquially referred, but it wasn't supposed to get this bad.
Prior to its merger with Sprint, Nextel agreed to a plan in 2004 that would have it pay to move its own services within three years to separate frequencies in exchange for 10MHz of valuable spectrum.
However, the merger of the two companies and the surrounding confusion, as well as technical and economical difficulties in actually performing the switch are causing delays. The FCC is losing patience, and some in Congress are pushing the agency to make a move.
Sprint has been involved in negotiations with local authorities, but in many cases talks haven't gone well, further slowing the process. At issue in many cases is Sprint's unwillingness to pay what it would cost to upgrade the networks.
According to the Wall Street Journal, which first reported the story Tuesday, the changes require public-safety officials to modify every radio that they use, as well as many other devices that use radio frequencies to communicate.
The delays have some Sprint competitors up in arms. AT&T has already complained to the FCC, saying the interference caused by the Nextel walkie-talkies makes them have to check their own equipment to ensure they aren't the source, which costs them money.
Sprint is committed to spending at least $4.86 billion. If it spends less, the money goes to the Treasury, while it would have to foot any additional costs if it's above that number. The company says it is trying to save money to give to the Treasury, although FCC chairman Kevin Martin said it should "just get the job done."