WASHINGTON-Verizon Wireless said late Wednesday that changes to the Consensus Plan proposed by Nextel Communications Inc. June 2 would only recreate the interference problem in the 800 MHz band that it purports to solve.
“The additional spectrum does not solve the public-safety interference problem. Instead, it recreates the very interference conundrum this proceeding is attempting to resolve. Second, Nextel’s claim that this new spectrum promotes public-safety interoperability solutions is not credible. Interoperability requires consistent spectrum and funding for systems, equipment and software. Nextel’s new plan offers neither. Third, Nextel conceded that the proposal would increase retuning costs. However, no new funding would be provided,” said R. Michael Senkowski, outside counsel for Verizon Wireless.
On June 2, Nextel offered 2 additional megahertz of spectrum in the 800 MHz band. This spectrum and the restricted use of 1 megahertz brings Nextel’s total financial commitment to $5.155 billion, according to Nextel.
“Verizon Wireless’ credibility in this is ludicrous. We are the only company that has worked with public safety to solve the problem, and to say we are recreating the problem is ridiculous,” said Leigh Horner, Nextel spokeswoman. “To suggest this isn’t good with public safety is malarkey.”
