1. FCC 9th NPRM re 700 MHz Public Safety Broadband Released 12/20/06
Summary of Proposal:
Allocate current WB spectrum for BB only
Allow one National PS licensee
National Licensee:
Provides service to PS & Fed agencies
Also could use PS 700 MHz NB spectrum for BB on secondary basis (cognitive radios)
Could lease excess capacity to CMRS
Could form public/private partnerships
Would have PS freq coord. experience, not for profit status, ability to directly represent all PS interests
Cannot be commercial entity
FCC sets baseline performance criteria
Interoperability, build out, preemption of commercial use, disaster restoration capability
Comments due to FCC by February 26, 2007
Replies due to FCC by March 12, 2007
FCC’s Stated Objectives:
Maximize opportunity for 700
Nationwide Interoperability
Adequate funding sources
Economies of scale/competition
Spectrum Efficiency
Robustness/flexible routing/satellite
Combine data, voice & video on common IP system and same device
Note: Previous NPRM March 2006 re the option to use broadband and NPRM September 2006 on reconfiguring the band still to be decided
NPSTC
Orlando; 6 Feb, 2007