Verizon Wants Nextel Spectrum Relocation Blocked

Verizon Wireless(VZ Quote) says it opposes Nextel's (NXTL Quote) emergency-radio-band relocation plan and is calling for regulators to auction the wireless spectrum instead.

The rapid growth of cell-phone services has caused an increase in interference in the nation's public safety radio frequency. To eliminate disruption of 800-megahertz emergency communications, the Federal Communications Commission is considering a proposal from Nextel to vacate the adjacent 700mhz and 900mhz frequency in exchange for a swath of higher bandwidth at 1.9 gigahertz.

Nextel has also offered $850 million to pay for relocation of other interfering operators in the public safety spectrum. ...