Policy & Law Commentary

FCC report on 911 fund use is no reason to celebrate

The FCC wrote that, “Most of the 911/E911 fees collected by the states were in fact used to fund 911/E911 services, while 13 states reported using, or potentially using, 911 fees to support other services.” … The wording of the conclusion makes me think that the FCC believes that it’s some sort of victory that only 13 states raided funds last year.

Broadband funding and spectrum are joined at the hip

I keep hearing that public-safety leaders look at funding as the cart to the spectrum horse. I keep hearing that these leaders believe that without the D Block spectrum, funding for this network is irrelevant. I keep hearing that their strategy is to focus first on getting the spectrum, and then worry about the funding. If true, I believe that public safety is making a monumental strategic blunder.

Deliver the D Block

Having 10 MHz of spectrum is not enough for public safety — especially in major metropolitan areas, where public safety needs more than that amount on a daily basis for broadband-enabled devices.

Stuck in the middle

If every licensee waits until the last minute to implement the process, there is a significant danger that there will not be enough manpower and/or equipment available to implement the change-out by Jan. 1, 2013.

Harman-Shimkus bill could be a key piece in public-safety broadband puzzle

In a world where proposals have called for more than $10 billion in federal aid to build and operate a much-discussed national broadband wireless network for public safety, $70 million sounds like relatively small potatoes. But Rep. Jane Harman (D-Calif.) and Rep. John Shimkus (R-Ill.) this week introduced legislation calling for $70 million in grant money to help fund development engineering for mission-critical devices that would operate on 700 MHz LTE networks.

One big step for public safety; one small step toward the ultimate goal

Without question, getting its hands on the D Block would be a huge leap forward for public safety in terms of the nationwide broadband network it covets. But it also is the first step in a very long journey that will follow along a path pocked with myriad potholes and speed bumps.

D Block efforts showing tangible dividends

Sometimes, a day can make a big difference. For public-safety officials wanting the 700 MHz D Block to be reallocated for a nationwide, broadband wireless network for first responders, yesterday was one of those days.

700 MHz debate not talk-show friendly

It’s questionable whether the D Block debate can resonate with voters who have no idea what radio frequency their devices — much less public-safety communication equipment — operate on and, frankly, don’t care.

Essential elements of a successful public-safety network

As debate has intensified over one aspect of the National Broadband Plan — the amount of spectrum allocated directly to public safety — there is a danger that we will lose sight of those issues more likely to make the difference between success and failure.

Legality of public-safety roaming at 700 MHz must be clarified

Will public safety need to roam on a daily basis, or will it only need to roam when disasters occur? Who pays when public safety roams and how much should be charged? Should public safety have priority or pre-emptive status when roaming?

FCC report on 911 fund use is no reason to celebrate

Broadband funding and spectrum are joined at the hip

Deliver the D Block

Stuck in the middle

Harman-Shimkus bill could be a key piece in public-safety broadband puzzle

One big step for public safety; one small step toward the ultimate goal

D Block efforts showing tangible dividends

700 MHz debate not talk-show friendly

Essential elements of a successful public-safety network

Legality of public-safety roaming at 700 MHz must be clarified

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