https://urgentcomm.com/wp-content/themes/ucm_child/assets/images/logo/footer-logo.png
  • Home
  • News
  • Multimedia
    • Back
    • Multimedia
    • Video
    • Podcasts
    • Galleries
  • Commentary
    • Back
    • Commentary
    • Urgent Matters
    • View From The Top
    • All Things IWCE
    • Legal Matters
  • Resources
    • Back
    • Resources
    • Events
    • Webinars
    • White Papers
    • Reprints & Reuse
  • IWCE
    • Back
    • IWCE
    • Conference
    • Special Events
    • Exhibitor Listings
    • Premier Partners
    • Floor Plan
    • Exhibiting Information
    • Register for IWCE
  • About Us
    • Back
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Statement
    • Cookies Policy
  • Related Sites
    • Back
    • American City & County
    • IWCE
    • Light Reading
    • IOT World Today
    • Mission Critical Technologies
    • Microwave/RF
    • T&D World
    • TU-Auto
  • In the field
    • Back
    • In the field
    • Broadband Push-to-X
    • Internet of Things
    • Project 25
    • Public-Safety Broadband/FirstNet
    • Virtual/Augmented Reality
    • Land Mobile Radio
    • Long Term Evolution (LTE)
    • Applications
    • Drones/Robots
    • IoT/Smart X
    • Software
    • Subscriber Devices
    • Video
  • Call Center/Command
    • Back
    • Call Center/Command
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • NG911
    • Alerting Systems
    • Analytics
    • Dispatch/Call-taking
    • Incident Command/Situational Awareness
    • Tracking, Monitoring & Control
  • Network Tech
    • Back
    • Network Tech
    • Interoperability
    • LMR 100
    • LMR 200
    • Backhaul
    • Deployables
    • Power
    • Tower & Site
    • Wireless Networks
    • Coverage/Interference
    • Security
    • System Design
    • System Installation
    • System Operation
    • Test & Measurement
  • Operations
    • Back
    • Operations
    • Critical Infrastructure
    • Enterprise
    • Federal Government/Military
    • Public Safety
    • State & Local Government
    • Training
  • Regulations
    • Back
    • Regulations
    • Narrowbanding
    • T-Band
    • Rebanding
    • TV White Spaces
    • None
    • Funding
    • Policy
    • Regional Coordination
    • Standards
  • Organizations
    • Back
    • Organizations
    • AASHTO
    • APCO
    • DHS
    • DMR Association
    • ETA
    • EWA
    • FCC
    • IWCE
    • NASEMSO
    • NATE
    • NXDN Forum
    • NENA
    • NIST/PSCR
    • NPSTC
    • NTIA/FirstNet
    • P25 TIG
    • TETRA + CCA
    • UTC
Urgent Communications
  • NEWSLETTER
  • Home
  • News
  • Multimedia
    • Back
    • Video
    • Podcasts
    • Galleries
  • Commentary
    • Back
    • All Things IWCE
    • Urgent Matters
    • View From The Top
    • Legal Matters
  • Resources
    • Back
    • Events
    • Webinars
    • White Papers
    • Reprints & Reuse
    • UC eZines
  • IWCE
    • Back
    • Conference
    • Special Events
    • Exhibitor Listings
    • Floor Plan
    • Exhibiting Information
    • Register for IWCE
  • About Us
    • Back
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Statement
    • Cookies Policy
  • Related Sites
    • Back
    • American City & County
    • IWCE
    • Light Reading
    • IOT World Today
    • Mission Critical Technologies
    • Microwave/RF
    • T&D World
    • TU-Auto
  • newsletter
  • In the field
    • Back
    • Internet of Things
    • Broadband Push-to-X
    • Project 25
    • Public-Safety Broadband/FirstNet
    • Virtual/Augmented Reality
    • Land Mobile Radio
    • Long Term Evolution (LTE)
    • Applications
    • Drones/Robots
    • IoT/Smart X
    • Software
    • Subscriber Devices
    • Video
  • Call Center/Command
    • Back
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • NG911
    • Alerting Systems
    • Analytics
    • Dispatch/Call-taking
    • Incident Command/Situational Awareness
    • Tracking, Monitoring & Control
  • Network Tech
    • Back
    • Cybersecurity
    • Interoperability
    • LMR 100
    • LMR 200
    • Backhaul
    • Deployables
    • Power
    • Tower & Site
    • Wireless Networks
    • Coverage/Interference
    • Security
    • System Design
    • System Installation
    • System Operation
    • Test & Measurement
  • Operations
    • Back
    • Critical Infrastructure
    • Enterprise
    • Federal Government/Military
    • Public Safety
    • State & Local Government
    • Training
  • Regulations
    • Back
    • Narrowbanding
    • T-Band
    • Rebanding
    • TV White Spaces
    • None
    • Funding
    • Policy
    • Regional Coordination
    • Standards
  • Organizations
    • Back
    • AASHTO
    • APCO
    • DHS
    • DMR Association
    • ETA
    • EWA
    • FCC
    • IWCE
    • NASEMSO
    • NATE
    • NXDN Forum
    • NENA
    • NIST/PSCR
    • NPSTC
    • NTIA/FirstNet
    • P25 TIG
    • TETRA + CCA
    • UTC
acc.com

Commentary Newsletters


New proposal fuels fire at 700 MHz

New proposal fuels fire at 700 MHz

Already full of activity, the 700 MHz debate in our nation's capital assumed full-fledged whirlwind status this week, with notable happenings that can be categorized as predictable, unpredictable and just plain confusing
  • Written by Urgent Communications Administrator
  • 5th March 2007

Already full of activity, the 700 MHz debate in our nation’s capital assumed full-fledged whirlwind status this week, with notable happenings that can be categorized as predictable, unpredictable and just plain confusing — not unlike a soap opera or reality TV show. The following are one humble observer’s perceptions:

Confusing: Indications from Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.) that the digital-television transition could be delayed beyond the Feb. 17, 2009, date Congress passed last year (see story below). It should be noted that Dingell never actually uttered those words, but the House Commerce Committee chairman said we need a DTV transition date that “makes sense” and that his committee will be “looking at” changing the date.

Should the wireless industry be concerned that it won’t get to use the 84 MHz of spectrum promised by the transition in less than two years? I doubt it. As dramatic as the Democratic victories were in the latest elections, it’s doubtful that such a proposal could pass the Senate, much less be signed by the president, as virtually every lobbying group opposes the notion.

The reality is that everyone’s budget projections — regardless of party — are counting on at least $10 billion in revenue from the 700 MHz auction. The only way the auction won’t raise that much is if the transition date gets delayed so far that the bidders can’t get a return on their hefty investments soon enough.

My bet is Dingell is making this threat because he really wants Congress to put a lot more money in the consumer-education and converter-box subsidy programs, so no one in the U.S. can claim they didn’t know that their analog sets would go dark on Feb. 18, 2009. And there may be a good chance these efforts will get more funding, because his colleagues on Capitol Hill know that Dingell’s Survivor reference is absolutely right if this transition is botched: “People will be voted off the island.”

Predictable: With the comment period closing this week on the FCC’s 700 MHz public-private broadband network plan for public safety, public safety doesn’t like the idea, while the commercial wireless industry thinks the FCC proposal is dandy.

This makes perfect sense, because the FCC plan would let the commercial sector play some on the 12 MHz of 700 MHz airwaves allocated to public-safety, while also getting to fully use its 60 MHz in the band. It’s a no-brainer for the commercial guys, as there’s absolutely nothing to lose. Meanwhile, public safety doesn’t like the idea because it would not get exclusive use of its spectrum, as the DTV statute currently dictates.

There are a lot of other nuances, but what we’ve learned during the past several months is that neither the commercial carriers nor public safety want to pursue a public-private partnership on spectrum they perceive as their “turf” already — but both groups are happy to pursue the notion on the other’s airwaves.

It makes one wonder: Could a public-private partnership work if both public safety and the commercial industry had some spectrum “skin” in the game?

Unpredictable: We may get to answer that question, thanks to a proposal from Frontline Wireless that would have the nationwide broadband network built on 10 MHz of commercial spectrum and at least 12 MHz of public-safety spectrum.

Led by a trio of heavy hitters in the telecom space, Frontline’s filing with the FCC sounds like a perfect middle ground that addresses the concerns associated with the Cyren Call proposal and the FCC plan. Frontline provides a broad outline of one network being run over two categories of spectrum with two national licensees working in harmony while still addressing the needs of local entities. How will these multiple relationships work? Frontline’s not saying just yet, but promises to provide greater detail with filings in other FCC proceedings.

Perhaps the most significant aspect of Frontline’s proposal is that the company exists at all. In recent weeks, commercial wireless representatives have said investors wouldn’t want any part of a public-private partnership operating on 30 MHz of spectrum. Yet Frontline has secured startup funds, nabbed three big-time industry leaders (see story below) and presumably believes it can raise the cash to bid serious bucks in the 700 MHz auction based on a network that only utilizes 22 MHz. Maybe the economics aren’t so bad, after all.

Frontline’s entrance into the 700 MHz drama is a welcome plot twist that should help the United States determine whether a public-private broadband network can be accomplished. Grab some popcorn and get comfortable, because this should be a reality show worth watching the next few months. And, if Dingell somehow gets his way, it’s a show that could run a lot longer.

E-mail me at donald.jackson@penton.com.

Tags: Commentary Newsletters

Related


  • Public safety needs a better way to triage emergency calls
    The overarching goal of the public-safety community is to ensure that 911 callers receive the most appropriate emergency response as quickly as possible. Lives often are on the line in an emergency, and every second matters. Achieving a balance between sending the optimal response to an emergency and having it arrive as fast as possible […]
  • In challenging year, working with public safety to move FirstNet forward
    It has been a challenging year for the nation, especially for the first responders who are on the front lines of wildfires, hurricanes, and the COVID-19 pandemic. During this historic year, the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) remained committed as ever to helping first responders save lives and protect communities. As part of our […]
  • The importance of commercial broadcast radio to public safety
    The public-safety community has a variety of ways in which it communicates with the traveling public during emergencies. Examples include the highway roadside and overhead warning signs touting accidents, work zones, Amber alerts, Reverse 911 calls, as well as the Wireless Emergency Alert (“WEA”) system to send e-mails and text messages to your mobile device. […]
  • How 3D location can increase situational awareness and improve operational efficiency
    Public-safety responders put their lives on the line every day to protect citizens from threats of all kinds. For most of us, this dedication and effort is taken for granted, as it goes largely unseen. This is because police and fire departments—and other first-responder agencies—are committed to being responsive in emergency situations while ensuring that […]

Leave a comment Cancel reply

To leave a comment login with your Urgent Comms account:

Log in with your Urgent Comms account

Or alternatively provide your name, email address below:

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Content

  • Wireless Spectrum Changes Bring New Opportunities in 2015
  • Unfinished Business
  • Could T-shirts, sports bras, socks help generate future revenue for radio dealers?
  • The readers always write: Managing FirstNet expectations

Commentary


Public safety needs a better way to triage emergency calls

13th January 2021

In challenging year, working with public safety to move FirstNet forward

30th December 2020

Communications solutions must evolve quickly to meet needs of a changing world

31st October 2020
view all

Events


UC Ezines


IWCE 2019 Wrap Up

13th May 2019
view all

Twitter


UrgentComm

RT @IWCEexpo: 📆 Mark Your Calendars: IWCE will be returning to Las Vegas this September and registration is slated to open in April 📆 Wa…

15th January 2021
UrgentComm

RT @IWCEexpo: ⚡FLASH SALE: Don't miss this exclusive offer! Passes to #IBFVirtual are now 50% off with code TWITTER50. Take advantage of th…

6th November 2020
UrgentComm

Get ready for part 2 of "Ensuring Public Safety Emergency Communications" next week! @PCTEL_inc will explore… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

3rd November 2020
UrgentComm

Over the past few months, we’ve seen the world transform, and it's clear that cities will be affected in the long-t… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

27th October 2020
UrgentComm

Florida state & local agencies subscribing to the Statewide Law Enforcement Radio System (SLERS) will be able to co… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

26th October 2020
UrgentComm

Tune in to @slacorp CEO Josh Lober as he explains how the company has fully integrated its #PTT application to work… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

26th October 2020
UrgentComm

.@SierraWireless announced the commercial availability of the AirLink MG90 platform, which they tout as the first m… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

26th October 2020
UrgentComm

Attorneys for #Hytera and #MotorolaSolutions this week submitted final written arguments, apparently clearing a pat… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

22nd October 2020

Newsletter

Sign up for UrgentComm’s newsletters to receive regular news and information updates about Communications and Technology.

Expert Commentary

Learn from experts about the latest technology in automation, machine-learning, big data and cybersecurity.

Business Media

Find the latest videos and media from the market leaders.

Media Kit and Advertising

Want to reach our digital and print audiences? Learn more here.

DISCOVER MORE FROM INFORMA TECH

  • American City & County
  • IWCE
  • Light Reading
  • IOT World Today
  • Mission Critical Technologies
  • Microwave/RF
  • T&D World
  • TU-Auto

WORKING WITH US

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Events
  • Careers

FOLLOW Urgent Comms ON SOCIAL

  • Privacy
  • CCPA: “Do Not Sell My Data”
  • Cookies Policy
  • Terms
Copyright © 2021 Informa PLC. Informa PLC is registered in England and Wales with company number 8860726 whose registered and Head office is 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.
This website uses cookies, including third party ones, to allow for analysis of how people use our website in order to improve your experience and our services. By continuing to use our website, you agree to the use of such cookies. Click here for more information on our Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy.
X