Explanation
Background: The City of Columbus holds a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) radio license in the 800 MHz frequency band for public-safety communications. Pursuant to Order by the Federal Communications Commission Docket No. 02-55 (800 MHz Report and Order) , all public safety systems operating in the 800 MHZ band, including the City of Columbus and users of its radio system (approximately 120 outside agencies), must move from their current 800 MHz frequency spectrum to a new dedicated spectrum allocated for Public safety users only. This will eliminate interference currently being caused by Nextel and other commercial wireless systems sharing the same frequency band. This nation-wide project is referred to as the 800 MHz Rebanding Process.
The FCC appointed an independent entity, the 800 MHz Transition Administrator (TA), to oversee the reconfiguration process. The TA will not only manage both the administrative and financial aspects of the reconfiguration, but it also will establish a relocation schedule, approve cost estimates/reconfiguration contracts, and facilitate the resolution of any disputes that may arise. The TA developed a regional prioritization plan and divided the country into 4 "waves". Those states in the first "wave" have already began the reconfiguration process. The state of Ohio is included in the fourth "wave" and is set to begin rebanding activities in April, 2006.
The FCC further has ordered Nextel to pay all the funding relocation costs for affected licensees. The terms of each reconfiguration contract must be negotiated between each federal licensee (the City) and Nextel. The cost associated with the negotiation include the use of outside counsel. The contract will be reviewed and subject to approval by the TA to ensure that cost are reimbursable by Nextel.
This ordinance authorizes the City Attorney to enter into an agreement for special legal counsel services with the law firm of Shulman, Rog...
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