The FCC released an NPRM asking questions about initial rules...
The FCC released an NPRM asking questions about initial rules to protect 700 MHz public safety spectrum and the adjacent D block from harmful interference as FirstNet moves forward. Comment dates will be set when the NPRM is published in…
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the Federal Register. “First, we address technical service rules for the new public safety broadband network to be established pursuant to the Public Safety Spectrum Act,” the NPRM said. “We next seek comment on the exercise of the Commission’s statutory responsibilities as they relate to oversight of FirstNet’s operations. Finally, we ask how to address different classes of incumbents now occupying portions of the spectrum licensed to FirstNet.” The NPRM (http://bit.ly/10DCPOK) explores such issues as antenna height and out-of-band emission limits in the spectrum, as well as interference coordination and international issues. Costs should be a consideration, the notice said, seeking “specific data and information, such as actual or estimated dollar amounts for each specific cost or benefit addressed, including a description of how commenters calculated or obtained that information, and any supporting documentation or other evidentiary support,” the document said. “We also seek comment on possible alternatives to our proposals that may reflect greater benefits, lower costs, or both.” The NPRM notes that the FCC previously licensed FirstNet use of the public safety spectrum for a 10-year term, and asks how it can evaluate whether “FirstNet has met its duties and obligations” in considering an eventual renewal of the licenses. The NPRM asks a battery of questions about the transition of public safety licensees using the public safety band out of the spectrum and whether FirstNet can be in charge of this transition. “In terms of the timing of such a transition, should the Commission establish a hard deadline by which relocation should be accomplished?” the commission asks. “If a hard deadline is set for mandatory relocation, are there incentives that could be established for earlier voluntary relocation? Should relocation be dependent on the plans made by FirstNet for deployment in a particular jurisdiction? If so, how would such a ‘rolling’ transition work?” The FCC also asks about how it should handle two wideband incumbents using the 700 MHz public safety spectrum, small wideband public safety deployments in Wasilla, Alaska, and Post Falls, Idaho.