800 MHz Transition Administrator Announces Publication of Updated Reconfiguration Handbook

WASHINGTON, Feb. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- The 800 MHz Transition Administrator, LLC ("TA") today announced the publication of Release 2.0 of the 800 MHz Band Reconfiguration Handbook. The document is available on the TA's website (http://www.800ta.org/) both in a practical Online Reference Guide and as a complete PDF document available for download.

The guidelines provided in the Handbook are designed to support reasonable and prudent reconfiguration planning activities while conforming to the FCC's requirements. The Handbook provides background information on 800 MHz Band Reconfiguration and an overview of the Regional Prioritization Plan. It describes:

  * The roles of the TA, Sprint Nextel and licensees
  * The activities associated with planning for reconfiguration
  * The steps required to execute a Planning Funding Agreement (PFA) or
    Frequency Reconfiguration Agreement (FRA) with Sprint Nextel
  * Guidelines for allowable costs and reimbursement
  * The payment process and funding guidelines
  * Contact information for the TA and Sprint Nextel

The TA has updated the guidance in the Handbook based on FCC's October 5, 2005 Memorandum Opinion and Order, most notably the modified Atlanta area Band plan and additional information for Non-Enhanced Specialized Mobile Radio (ESMR) Economic Area (EA) Licensees. The Handbook contains revised graphics and more direct links to documents referenced in the text. It also provides more complete discussions on the Payment Process, the revised Request for Planning Funding process, and the Reconfiguration Implementation Phase, along with a new section on Fraud, Waste, and Abuse. Other policy additions and revisions previously reflected on the website have also been incorporated.

"The TA continues to provide guidance to facilitate the affected community's ability of all stakeholders to achieve the goals of 800 MHz Reconfiguration," said Brett Haan, Director, 800 MHz Transition Administrator. "The publication of Release 2.0 of the Handbook represents many improvements to the TA processes and policies that have been influenced by lessons learned in the first eight months of this multi-year program. Our guidance will continue to evolve in this complex, nationwide program."

To obtain a copy of the newly revised Reconfiguration Handbook, please visit the Online Reference Guide on the TA's website at http://www.800ta.org/org/.

About the 800 MHz Transition Administrator

800 MHz Transition Administrator, LLC ("TA LLC") is the Transition Administrator ("TA") for the reconfiguration of the 800 MHz band mandated by the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC"). TA LLC has contracted with BearingPoint, Inc., Squire, Sanders & Dempsey L.L.P. and Baseline Telecom, Inc. to perform the duties of the TA. Among its duties, the TA establishes reconfiguration guidelines, specifies replacement channels, reviews reconfiguration cost estimates, monitors payment of reconfiguration costs, manages the relocation schedule, facilitates issue resolution and administers the alternate dispute resolution process. TA LLC uses information it receives solely for the purposes of administering the 800 MHz reconfiguration process and may disclose such information to the FCC or other authorized parties pursuant to the requirements of the 800 MHz Order or other applicable laws.

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