https://urgentcomm.com/wp-content/themes/ucm_child/assets/images/logo/footer-new-logo.png
  • Home
  • News
  • Multimedia
    • Back
    • Multimedia
    • Video
    • Podcasts
    • Galleries
    • IWCE’s Video Showcase
    • IWCE 2022 Winter Showcase
    • IWCE 2023 Pre-event Guide
  • Commentary
    • Back
    • Commentary
    • Urgent Matters
    • View From The Top
    • All Things IWCE
    • Legal Matters
  • Resources
    • Back
    • Resources
    • 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
    • Cookie Policy
  • Related Sites
    • Back
    • American City & County
    • IWCE
    • Light Reading
    • IOT World Today
    • Mission Critical Technologies
    • 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
    • Omdia Crit Comms Circle Podcast
    • Galleries
    • IWCE’s Video Showcase
    • IWCE 2023 Pre-event Guide
    • IWCE 2022 Winter Showcase
  • Commentary
    • Back
    • All Things IWCE
    • Urgent Matters
    • View From The Top
    • Legal Matters
  • Resources
    • Back
    • Webinars
    • White Papers
    • Reprints & Reuse
    • UC eZines
    • Sponsored content
  • IWCE
    • Back
    • Conference
    • Why Attend
    • Exhibitor Listing
    • Floor Plan
    • Exhibiting Information
    • Join the Event Mailing List
  • About Us
    • Back
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Cookie Policy
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Statement
  • Related Sites
    • Back
    • American City & County
    • IWCE
    • Light Reading
    • IOT World Today
    • 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

content


FCC approves 700 MHz rules

FCC approves 700 MHz rules

As expected, the FCC yesterday approved rules for 700 MHz spectrum that includes provisions for a public-private partnership to build a nationwide wireless broadband network and reserves a portion of the available spectrum for commercial operators willing to adhere to open-access principles
  • Written by Urgent Communications Administrator
  • 1st August 2007

As expected, the FCC yesterday approved rules for 700 MHz spectrum that includes provisions for a public-private partnership to build a nationwide wireless broadband network and reserves a portion of the available spectrum for commercial operators willing to adhere to open-access principles.

Under the order, the winner of the 10 MHz “D block” of spectrum adjacent to the 10 MHz earmarked for public safety would negotiate an agreement with a national public-safety licensee to build a nationwide network using the combined spectrum. While commercial services can be offered over the network, public-safety users would have priority access.

Chairman Kevin Martin said establishing a method for budget-challenged public-safety agencies to have access to a broadband network that would enable interoperable communications was a priority for the commission.

“While I also would have supported a network exclusively for the use of public safety, the simple reality is that there currently is no way to fund such an enterprise,” Martin said. “Many national and local public-safety organizations have expressed support for a public-private partnership approach as their last, best chance to make this network a reality. We cannot afford to let the opportunity that the 700 MHz band offers for public safety pass us by.”

Commissioner Michael Copps echoed this sentiment and emphasized the need for the commission to play an active role to ensure that the public-private partnership serves the needs of public safety.

“There are no guaranteed outcomes here, but we have to find a way—finally—to get this done,” Copps said. “If it works—and it’s a big ‘if’—the American people will be appreciably safer.”

Copps also noted that potential bidders should be aware that building a network that meets public-safety requirements in such an expansive coverage area—99.3% of the U.S. population must be served within 10 years—will be a difficult and expensive task. If an agreement does not satisfy public safety, Copps said he is “perfectly willing to go back to the drawing board” and select another commercial partner or proposal.

“I won’t be happy if this happens, but I’m not about to cut corners if it means compromising public safety,” Copps said. “Far better that public safety remains in control of its spectrum—and free to find another model for funding it—than for this commission to bless a sharing agreement that does not fully protect the nation’s citizens and its first responders.”

These statements were welcomed by Harlin McEwen, chairman of the International Association of Chiefs of Police’s (IACP’s) communications and technology committee.

“To me, he made the points that you need to make—that is, at the end of the day, we [public safety] have to be protected, and it has to meet our needs,” McEwen said. “If we’re not convinced it’s going to do what we need, then they’ve got to be prepared to start over. I thought that was a pretty telling remark.”

While McEwen was encouraged by the statements and expressed visions, he said the precise wording of the order—not yet available for review—could make a significant impact on the value to public safety.

“The proof is in the pudding,” he said. “I want to see the order.”

In addition to the public-private partnership for public safety, the FCC established rules for the rest of the 60 MHz of commercial spectrum that must be auctioned by Jan. 28, 2008. A 22 MHz “C block” will require the winning bidder to let users connect any device to the network, if it doesn’t harm the network—a wireless application of the famous “Carterphone” rules adopted for wired networks.

Other notable rules approved by the FCC would require anonymous bidding in the 700 MHz auction and require that winning commercial bidders meet stringent buildout thresholds—35% of the license’s geographic area in four years and 70% coverage in 10 year—or the FCC will reclaim the license for the unserved areas.

Tags: content Policy

Most Recent


  • LA-RICS celebrates final acceptance of P25 system built by Motorola Solutions
    The Los Angeles Regional Interoperable Communications System (LA-RICS) announced its final acceptance of its much-anticipated Project 25 (P25) radio system built by Motorola Solutions during a ribbon-cutting ceremony conducted last month. LA-RICS Executive Director Scott Edson (pictured above, cutting the ribbon) said the Los Angeles region has “moved into the 21st Century, when it comes […]
  • Five takeaways from the House FCC oversight hearing
    The House Energy & Commerce Committee held an FCC oversight hearing on Thursday, with a “Biden broadband takeover” theme, focusing largely on Republican concerns with the FCC’s efforts to reinstate Title II and enact digital discrimination rules. The hearing also covered the FCC’s lapsed spectrum authority and the Biden administration’s spectrum policy, as well as funding shortfalls […]
  • Sorond named NextNav's CEO to pursue location services, 5G
    Mariam Sorond, a wireless executive who previously worked at companies including VMware, CableLabs and Dish Network, will take over the CEO role at NextNav, the company announced. “Having devoted my career to advancing and commercializing innovation in technology, I am thrilled to continue this journey at the helm of NextNav,” Sorond said in a release. “I […]
  • Cyberattack on Pennsylvania Water Authority disrupts OT gear
    This past weekend, the Aliquippa Municipal Water Authority, located in Pittsburgh, experienced a cyberattack after one of its booster stations was hacked by an Iranian-backed cyber group.  The threat group, known as Cyber Av3ngers, hacked a system known as Unitronics, which has components that are Israeli-owned. The technology that monitors water pressure at the station […]

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

  • New Orleans-area 911 center inks multiyear APEX deal with Carbyne to replace call-handling system
  • FCC approves 700 MHz rules
    Newscan: Feds recover millions from pipeline ransom hackers, hint at U.S. Internet tactic
  • Cyber is the new Cold War, and AI is the arms race
  • Private wireless networks in the US start going public

Commentary


Things to know about IWCE 2024: The basics 

5th December 2023

Land mobile radio (LMR) systems are just as vulnerable to cyberattacks as any other networks used in the public-safety sector. Here’s what to do about it.

  • 1
7th November 2023

September 3GPP Plenary meetings feature Release 18 progress, Release 19 beginnings

13th October 2023
view all

Events


UC Ezines


IWCE 2019 Wrap Up

13th May 2019
view all

Twitter


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
  • TU-Auto

WORKING WITH US

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Events
  • Careers

FOLLOW Urgent Comms ON SOCIAL

  • Privacy
  • CCPA: “Do Not Sell My Data”
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms
Copyright © 2023 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.