Steps to consider in your preparation:

Frequency Choice - Nextel and the TA will produce a list of assigned frequencies for each licensee.  Consider that Nextel has the pool of assignable frequencies and they will be engineering themselves out of the band at the same time they will be assigning a new frequency to you, the licensee.  Nextel has sophisticated programs and they use accepted industry standard analysis based on co-channel usage.  Nextel will use information that you provide in your initial contract negotiations.

Independent Frequency Analysis – It is the licensee's responsibility to review and approve.  If you do not have the internal resources, you may want to seek fully independent review of the new assignments.  This can include co and adjacent channel review, but can also include more detailed analysis including intermod studies.  Remember, while you are not physically moving, you are bringing new frequencies into your existing base station environment.  AFC has sophisticated tools, databases, and above all, highly trained personnel that can provide assurance you are getting replacement frequencies that meet your requirements and the FCC Rules.

Prepare the FCC Forms - Nextel or another source, as indicated in your contract, will prepare the required licensing forms. Nextel can automatically generate an electronic application, but that is a negotiable item in your contract considerations.  AFC also has a full featured licensing service that can perform that function as required.  In addition, AFC is working closely with Nextel to assure there are procedures and processes in place to expedite the rebanding licensing process.

Screen the FCC Forms - Review compliance with all aspects of the FCC Rules and ULS requirements to assure acceptance.  Every system and every license is unique.  The FCC Rules are complex and the ULS automatic electronic screening process is very rigorous and exacting.   No one has more experience, background, and capability to review applications for compliance than APCO-AFC. 

Submit the FCC Forms - AFC can submit applications electronically.  AFC has a quick, effective process that integrates directly into the FCC's ULS process

   

AFC provides a number of services related to licensing of public safety frequencies.

Pre-rebanding license review: APCO-AFC highly recommends each licensee fully review and audit their various licenses prior to rebanding and prior to negotiations with Nextel.  Many systems have changed and the licenses may not reflect your actual operational parameters.  At the least, the contact and other administrative information should be reviewed and updated with the FCC to assure you are "contactable" by the Transition Administrator, Nextel, and the FCC. AFC's Licensing Service can review your license and recommend and submit those changes to the FCC.  Remember, your license is your official legal tie to the rebanding process,  Nextel and the TA can not be held accountable for any aspects of your system that are not adequately reflected on your license.   Discrepancies between your actual real world system and erroneous information listed on your license could put a big snag into your process.

Technical review: AFC maintains an active frequency coordination database that can be used as the basis for a full analysis of frequency assignments.  The Engineering Section can perform any number of frequency/location based searches and feed the results directly into some of the most sophisticated computer propagation analysis tools available.  This includes complete system RF link budget/intermodualtion analysis.

Applications processing: APCO-AFC has one of the most modern and complete FCC Form 601 processing systems available.  The simplest step is to submit  a complete application electronically which AFC can review for changes other than a new frequency assignment.  In such cases, the review and submittal to the FCC (ULS) will be virtually immediate.  If discrepancies are detected in the screening process that requires intervention, AFC is prepared to provide the assistance to correct the license application expeditiously.

Full frequency coordination: Remember, a change in the technical parameters of a license that affects the coverage of the system (as compared to the original license) may kick off a requirement for full blown frequency coordination.  AFC is the oldest and most experienced frequency coordinator in the 800 MHz public safety sector and is ready to provide any degree of assistance to facilitate the license applications process.

Services

   

AFC Services Brochures (PDF)