Dec 1, 2008 12:00 PM, An Urgent Communications Staff Report

1 Crunch time for public-safety broadband at 700 MHz

Early this year, the FCC attempted to auction 10 MHz of 700 MHz commercial spectrum — known as the D Block — that would be paired with 10 MHz of public-safety broadband spectrum to provide the foundation of a shared public/private network for first responders. That auction failed, and now the FCC is trying to revamp the rules to attract commercial bidders to the table.

While the proposed new rules certainly should be more attractive to the private sector, they have been criticized by many cities with large public-safety agencies. (See news story, page 7.) Without participation from these large entities, the notion of this shared network being a key pathway to nationwide interoperability could be lost. Furthermore, if a commercial operator turns out to be the only user of spectrum earmarked for public safety, Congress could object.

Proponents of the shared-network plan note that it offers the best chance for non-metropolitan public-safety agencies to leverage a wireless broadband network designed by public safety. Critics of the plan opine that the latest FCC proposal does not ensure that the shared network would be built to the coverage or reliability standards that the first-responder community needs.

Complicating matters is the fact that the public-safety licensee, the Public Safety Spectrum Trust (PSST), has been the subject of considerable criticism for accepting financing from its adviser, Cyren Call Communications. Without the money from Cyren Call, the PSST — an entity with no assets other than its spectrum license — would have no revenue source to support its operations.

With the closure of the comment period on the FCC's proposal last month, FCC Chairman Kevin Martin has expressed a desire for the commission to pass new D Block rules before the end of this year, which would allow for the spectrum to be auctioned in the middle of 2009. However, given the disagreements within public safety about the plan, the difficulty that potential commercial partners would have accessing capital in a tight market, and the pending change in power in the FCC, some industry observers believe the 700 MHz issue will be debated well into 2009.
— DONNY JACKSON

2 Transition time for the FCC

Only those with the best crystal balls can hope to see the future direction of the FCC, but one thing is certain: There will be changes.

The first change will occur early in January, when Republican Commissioner Deborah Taylor Tate steps down as her term expires. A more significant change is expected when Republican Kevin Martin is replaced as chairman by an appointee of President-elect Barack Obama, giving Democrats control of the FCC for the first time in eight years.

Theoretically, Martin could stay on the FCC as a commissioner — something some media outlets have indicated could happen, at least until the digital-television transition occurs in mid-February. Historically, however, FCC chairmen have not stayed at the agency after being removed from the top position, where they can control the commission's agenda.

Inside the Beltway, the rumor mill already has started churning out names regarding possible Democrats to succeed Martin as FCC chairman. Among the names being discussed are two Democratic commissioners, Michael Copps and Jonathan Adelstein.

Copps has been on the FCC longer and has been considered a strong advocate for public-safety communications, but some observers question whether his skeptical attitude toward large incumbent broadband players would make him a good choice politically. Some also note that Adelstein and other Democrats were more closely tied to the Obama campaign effort and therefore may be better-positioned to be named chairman.

One factor in the Obama decision may be the opposition that Republicans try to mount in opposing Democratic appointments — a strategy Democrats employed successfully four years ago against President George W. Bush. Many Beltway officials question whether the Republicans have enough voting strength in the Senate to try such a maneuver; however, if their opposition is successful, Copps or Adelstein more likely would be named as chairman, even if only on an interim basis.
— DONNY JACKSON

3 Emergency alerts gain ground

Ever since the Virginia Tech shooting in April 2007, universities have flocked to emergency alert systems, and municipalities have followed suit. However, studies have shown that even with the increased use of the technology, few people know how to access it.

Yet emergency alerts may be the only reliable way to contact people. Research firm CDW-G recently released a report on the state of emergency alerts in the U.S. In it, the authors note that as society becomes even more dependent on mobile communications, governments have to change how they contact their constituents during emergencies.

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