Protect Our 4.9 GHz Public Safety Spectrum Future

Support a Fully Operational Public Safety Broadband Network Using 4.9 GHz

Public safety requires a dedicated radio and broadband spectrum to perform our duties in protecting the public. We depend on this spectrum for our radio systems and for our broadband data network needs. This was acknowledged in the 9/11 Commission report and Congress also demonstrated a deep understanding of the importance of a dedicated nationwide public safety network when they created The FirstNet Authority in 2012. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has historically been a strong partner in protecting public safety spectrum. They have understood public safety’s spectrum needs and supported us through their actions, such as the allocation of the 4.9GHz in 2002. In March of 2018, however, the Commission issued the “SIXTH FURTHER NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING” (FNPRM) signaling consideration for “opening up the band to additional uses”. There have been additional FNPRM issued with opposition advocating that local agencies should be allowed to control and build their own networks along while allowing access to Critical Infrastructure (CI) companies. The end result could be an irreversible allowance of commercial use of the 4.9 GHz band that should remain solely used for public safety. Additionally, we do not want to go backward in time and again have disparate systems that are unable to work, communicate, and integrate with one another.

The demand for spectrum and reliable data speeds within public safety has soared over the last 6 years due to a growing reliance on mobile broadband technology. The FCC’s original vision to allocate the 4.9 spectrum for public safety is now more relevant than ever before. It is of critical importance for public safety to maintain control of our 4.9 GHz spectrum within the public safety community to ensure its effective and reliable use for emergency communications and applications going forward.

 We ask that the FCC take action this year to allocate and license this spectrum to The FirstNet Authority, which has a dedicated mission and proven track record of supporting public safety, so that they may manage it in the best interest of public safety.