The FCC is threatening to shut down major parts of Sprint's iDEN network as portions of the 800 MHz spectrum it operates in interferes with public safety channels. The conflict between the iDEN network and public safety agencies was addressed years ago as Sprint was given new spectrum to move its iDEN network onto. Though the carrier has already spent $1 billion to move the network, the FCC says that progress is not moving according to schedule. The carrier estimates the relevant parts of the network serve nearly 20 million subscribers. Sprint has asked the Court of Appeals to help protect it against threats of a shutdown.
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