Fairfax, VA – On July 8, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) unanimously adopted the Consensus Plan to resolve the ongoing and growing problem of interference to public safety radio systems operating in the 800 MHz band. The new band plan for the 800 MHz band will address the root cause of the interference problem by separating generally incompatible technologies.
To assist fire departments operating on 800 MHz systems prepare for the likely event of rebanding, the International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE) is putting on a series of presentations during the next 45 days (these presentations have already begun and run through November 15). Information about the IWCE Traveling Road Show program is available on athttp://www.iafc.org/government/documents/IWCERoadShowInfo.pdf.
On August 6, the FCC issued a preliminary report and order (R&O) on the Consensus Plan. The R&O is consistent with the FCC’s decision of July 8 to largely adopt the Consensus Plan. A summary, dated August 18, 2004, of the relevant portions of the order is available athttp://www.iafc.org/government/documents/FCCRandOon800MHz.pdf.
The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) expects the FCC to publish the R&O in the Federal Register some time in October. The order will become effective 60 days after publishing in the Federal Register. It still remains up to Nextel to accept the terms of the R&O in order for it to be implemented.
