US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has signed two protocols with the Mexican government for sharing spectrum in the 800 MHz and 1.9 GHz bands along the US-Mexico border. The signing of these documents marks the beginning of the final phase for rebanding in the 800 MHz band across the country. These actions aim to support commercial broadband services and public safety mission-critical voice communications along the US-Mexico border and throughout the US.
The United States and Mexico have also signed a joint statement for continued coordination of spectrum along the border and cooperation on telecommunications policy issues as well as a work plan or ‘Directory of Bilateral Issues’ for 2012-2014.
The new 800 MHz Protocol allots band segments between the US and Mexico, specifies the technical parameters for operation on these band segments within 110 kilometers (68 miles) of the common border, and creates a bi-national task force to support the transition of incumbent operators along the border to the new allotment plan.
The new Protocol for the 1.9 GHz band allows Sprint Nextel to deploy CDMA services along the border with Mexico. Sprint obtained access to the 1.9 GHz band in 2004 as compensation for vacating its spectrum holding in the lower segment of the 800 MHz band in accordance with the rebanding project.
