Sprint Nextel Agrees on Framework for Spectrum Relocation

The USA operator, Sprint Nextel, Tribune Broadcasting and Hearst-Argyle Television have announced completion of their Frequency Relocation Agreements (FRA) for one each of the broadcasters' group-owned stations as part of the 2 GHz Relocation project. Under terms of the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) 800 MHz Order, 2 GHz Broadcast Auxiliary Service (BAS) licensees, which include the Tribune and Hearst-Argyle-owned stations, must relocate to new spectrum assignments by September 2007.

Sprint Nextel is responsible for reimbursing BAS licensees for the cost of relocating to comparable facilities within the 2 GHz spectrum band. BAS licensees use this spectrum to transmit local news from remote locations back to the studio. One agreement covers Tribune-owned WGN in Chicago and the other covers Hearst-Argyle-owned WESH in Orlando.

The FCC has licensed Sprint Nextel to use a portion of the 2 GHz band for commercial mobile radio services upon relocation of the BAS licensees. The agreements announced today will allow the companies to move ahead with the relocation process and assist the broadcasters in their transition to digital broadcast news services.

Michael Degitz, vice president of spectrum management for Sprint Nextel added, "We continue completing agreements across the country with BAS licensees and our agreements with Tribune and Hearst-Argyle are a testament to the hard work of all involved. Both Tribune and Hearst-Argyle have demonstrated leadership in the broadcast industry by reaching agreement with Sprint Nextel. We look forward to announcing other agreements soon, following the engagement and cooperation of additional licensees."

Posted to the site on 18th September 2006