Joint request seeks additional time to complete 2GHz BAS relocation

As the 2GHz Broadcast Auxiliary Service relocation effort approaches completion, 28 designated market areas (DMAs) were not expected to meet the Feb. 8 deadline and should be given relocation deadlines on a market-specific basis, according to a joint request filed Feb. 1 with the FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology. The filing from Sprint Nextel, the Association for Maximum Service Television (MSTV), NAB and the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) modifies a joint request made Dec. 31, 2009, in which the parties told the commission that nine DMAs would need until Aug. 9 to complete the relocation. Other DMAs would also require an extension, but were expected to complete the project before Aug. 9, the filing said.