Critics Fault Spectrum Auction Plan
June 17, 2010
| 4:17 PM
While they agree on the need for a nationwide interoperable broadband network for public safety, lawmakers, the FCC and public safety officials disagreed Thursday on how much spectrum would be needed for such a network, CongressDaily reported.
During a hearing, public safety officials, wireless industry representatives and others discussed a draft bill crafted by House Energy and Commerce Communications Subcommittee Chairman Rick Boucher, D-Va., that would implement recommendations from the FCC for construction of a national interoperable public safety broadband network.
The FCC in its national broadband plan recommended that the D-block of spectrum be auctioned to commercial bidders, and the proceeds be used to help build the public safety network. The FCC has directed that public safety be given 10 megahertz of spectrum for such a network.
The agency has estimated the cost of building this network at $12 billion to $16 billion over 10 years.
In addition to implementing these recommendations, Boucher's draft bill would authorize federal funds if the auction proceeds are not enough to build the public safety network.
The FCC released a white paper this week claiming that spectrum identified for public safety use would be sufficient to meet public safety needs. It also noted that any shortfalls could be addressed by an FCC proposal to give first responders priority access to commercial networks during emergencies.
But the National Governors Association, state and local public safety officials and some lawmakers say the FCC plan does not provide first responders with the spectrum they need. Instead, they have called for the FCC to simply reallocate the D-block for public safety use.
During questioning, New York City Police Department Deputy Chief Charles Dowd said, "Our analysis is that that 10 megahertz will not be sufficient on an emergency basis."
But James Barnett, chief of the FCC's Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, argued that the additional spectrum public safety officials would get from the D-block would still be insufficient during an emergency and that the FCC proposal allowing first responders priority access to roam on commercial networks would address this problem. To read more, click here. (Subscription required)
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