NPSTC Asks FCC to Rethink Revised 4.9 GHz Rules
The National Public Safety Telecommunications Council objected to new FCC 4.9 GHz band rules approved 3-2 in September (see 2009300050). Public safety groups hope the new administration rethinks that approach (see 2012300047). Comments were due Wednesday in docket 07-100. “The…
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new usage being allowed at the discretion of states is far outside of public safety,” NPSTC said: “Given 4.9 GHz was allocated to support public safety communications, NPSTC believes any attempt to open the band further should ensure that additional usage allowed is compatible with public safety’s continued need for the band.” NPSTC said there are few details, including “the level of interference protection to which grandfathered incumbent licensees are provided.” Allow aeronautical mobile operations in the band, commented Florida Power & Light. “Doing so would increase the aviation community’s access to valuable, but limited, spectrum resources,” the utility said. “By extension, it would allow licensees and lessees to make more efficient use of the 4.9 GHz band, which both the Commission and parties in this proceeding acknowledge is 'underused.'” Maryland largely supported the FCC strategy of states assigning how the spectrum is used. “Roles of State Lessor and State Band Manager should be filled by the same designee to achieve the twin goals of expanding spectrum utilization while protecting public safety,” it said. “To promote expanded use of the band while protecting public safety, Maryland supports the use of new tools such as Spectrum Access System administration or similar.”