Four House Commerce Committee Democrats sought more interoperability in the lower...
Four House Commerce Committee Democrats sought more interoperability in the lower 700 MHz band, in a letter sent Monday to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski. “A single lower 700 MHz band with nationwide scope would benefit all customers because it would…
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enable consumers to use the same devices across multiple carrier platforms as well as roam to and from networks inside and outside of the 700 MHz band,” it said. The letter was signed by House Communications Subcommittee Ranking Member Anna Eshoo of California, Ed Markey of Massachusetts, Mike Doyle of Pennsylvania, and Doris Matsui of California. The lawmakers said reducing the number of bands in the lower 700 MHz would assist first responders by adding value, reducing costs and creating “more redundancy options for public safety broadband capabilities.” The FCC approved an interoperability rulemaking notice at its March meeting. Genachowski said at the time regulation may not be needed and encouraged industry players to come up with a voluntary, industry solution (CD March 22 p2). AT&T Executive Vice President of Federal Relations Tim McKone said the letter “fails to address the main issue: the interference caused from the adjacent Channel 51 television stations.” That interference “is the main reason there has been such little deployment to date by A Block license holders,” McKone said in an email statement. “Forcing carriers to place interfering radios in their smartphones will result in less efficient spectrum utilization and, importantly, a poor consumer experience.” AT&T has been the leading opponent of an interoperability mandate.