When electronic newsgathering finally goes high-definition, much of the contribution from the field will be carried on newly carved out 12MHz-wide digital channels between 2025MHz and 2110MHz.
Under the ongoing FCC-mandated 2GHz relocation plan, Sprint Nextel — which ultimately stands to benefit from use of the vacated Broadcast Auxiliary Service (BAS) spectrum broadcasters are leaving to populate the new channels — is footing the tab for the equipment broadcasters will use on the new channels
The deadline for completing the relocation is Sept. 7, 2007. With less than one year to go, Sprint Nextel has released some statistics on the progress of the project. The figures reveal:
- 97 percent of BAS licensees have engaged in relocation activities.
- 77 percent of the total affected broadcasters have submitted required inventories of existing equipment to be replaced.
- 48 percent of the inventories have been verified by Sprint Nextel.
- 7 percent of BAS licensees have signed Frequency Relocation Agreements (FRAs) with Sprint Nextel.
