By Jennifer C. Karr
The Associated Press

WASHINGTON - Federal regulators unanimously approved a plan Thursday aimed at eliminating cell phone interference with hundreds of public safety communication systems around the country.

The Federal Communications Commission plan calls for Reston, Va.-based Nextel Communications Inc. to acquire a band of spectrum worth $4.8 billion. In exchange, Nextel will give up other spectrum and pay to reconfigure the airwaves it occupies in order to ensure public service communications systems are free of interference.

"We have worked extremely hard and today take a bold action because our police and firefighters that protect our local communities deserve nothing less, particularly in these new and dangerous times," FCC Chairman Michael Powell said.

Radios used by police, firefighters and other first responders broadcast on the same 800 megahertz spectrum as Nextel cell phones. So, if a radio dispatch is made at 850 MHz near a Nextel cell tower broadcasting at 851 MHz, the radio signal can be drowned out.

Public safety agencies started complaining about the interference five years ago and turned to the FCC for help. The Association of Public Safety Communications Officials, based in Daytona Beach, Fla., says hundreds of agencies nationwide have had difficulty making radio calls, or have had communications disrupted, because of cell-phone interference.

"We're very happy and elated that the commission has done their part," said association President Vincent Stile. "They really were trying their best to get public safety the best possible deal here."

No injuries or deaths have been reported because of the problem. However, public safety officials have said their personnel are put in danger any time they respond to a call and are unable to communicate.

Verizon Wireless, the nation's largest cell phone company, is expected to mount a legal challenge to the FCC plan. It says the 1.9-gigahertz spectrum Nextel will acquire should be offered at public auction and that it would be willing to pay $5 billion for it.

Verizon general counsel William Barr told the FCC in a recent letter that the agency could be violating federal law by failing to hold an auction.