Nextel: No 800 MHz decision this week

Nextel Communications will not announce today whether it will accept the terms of the FCC order calling for it to contribute at least $4.8 billion worth of cash and spectrum assets to reband 800 MHz frequencies in a manner designed to abate interference for public-safety communications operating in the band.

As promised, Nextel representatives met with public safety officials early this week to discuss the issue, but all participants interviewed declined to discuss the content of the talks. Meanwhile, a Nextel spokesman said there is no timetable for the wireless carrier to announce its much-anticipated decision.

Most analysts believe Nextel eventually will support the FCC order, which outlines a path for the wireless carrier to get contiguous spectrum in the 800 MHz and 1.9 GHz band needed to offer advanced services. However, Nextel Senior Vice President and Chief Regulatory Officer Robert Foosaner expressed several concerns with the ruling during a session at last week’s Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) conference.