How to File Comments on the 4.9 GHz Spectrum
Step by Step Directions on how to Submit Express Comments of Support for the PSSA on the 4.9 GHz Spectrum FCC Notice of Proposed Rule Making
A simple guide to file your comments in support of the initiative to protect public safety 4.9GHZ spectrum.
PSSA Petition for Stay 4.9Ghz December 29, 2020
In the Matter of Amendment of Part 90 of the Commission’s Rules
The Public Safety Technology Alliance (“PSSA” or “Petitioner”), through counsel,
hereby submits this Request for Stay (“Stay Request”) of the Commission’s 6th Report and
Order in the above captioned proceeding (“Order”) to amend Part 90 of the Commission’s
Rules regarding use of the 4.9 GHz spectrum band, as released on October 2, 2020, and
published in the Federal Register on November 30, 2020.1
PSSA Petition For Reconsideration 4.9GHz December 29, 2020
In the Matter of Amendment of Part 90 of the Commission’s Rules
In adopting the 6th Report and Order in the above captioned proceeding (“Order”), the Commission failed to rectify the deficiencies in its rules that resulted in the under-utilization of the 4940-4990 MHz spectrum band (the “4.9 GHz Band” or “Band”), and to fulfill its statutorily mandated purpose of promoting public safety.1 Instead of fixing the flaws in its rules that limited public safety utilization of the Band, the Commission seemingly used such underutilization as an excuse to re-purpose the Band for commercial entities. The Commission’s decision to eliminate long-standing dedicated use of the Band for public safety and cede its nationwide spectrum management authority to each of the states, which do not have spectrum management experience or allocated resources necessary to manage the Band, will most certainly result in a patchwork of different rules, different users, and different use cases, as well as put the integrity of public safety communications at risk. Contrary to one of the Commission’s primary justifications for its decision to change the rules governing the Band, its action will serve as a disincentive to industry to invest in the devices and technology utilizing the 4.9 GHz Band due to the resulting lack of consistent and predictable volume of users and economies of scale necessary to incentivize investment in the Band.
PRESS RELEASES:
Public Safety Leaders Unveil New Alliance to Protect Public Safety 4.9GHZ Spectrum
The Public Safety Broadband Technology Association announce the formation of a new alliance with the goal of protecting 4.9GHz spectrum for public safety use.
Las Vegas, Nev. (Aug 5, 2020) – Today, the Public Safety Broadband Technology Association (PSBTA) in partnership with other associations and public safety leaders announce that they have formed the Public Safety Spectrum Alliance (PSSA). The Public Safety Spectrum Alliance (PSSA) is an alliance amongst the nation’s leading public safety leaders and associations. According to their spokesman Chief Kim Zagaris the alliance was formed to advocate for the protection of the 4.9GHz public safety spectrum currently being used by public safety nationally. “This alliance in made up of many of those who were part of the Public Safety Alliance that advocated for what became the FirstNet Authority. As we begin building our support for this program we will be working with all the public safety association which we expect to partner with us.”
Amendment of Part 90 of the Commission’s Rules
Comments from the Public Safety Spectrum Alliance (PSSA)
The Public Safety Spectrum Alliance (PSSA) is an organization sponsored by the Public Safety Broadband Technology Association (PSBTA). The purpose of the PSSA is “to ensure that first responders nationwide are able to use the most technologically advanced communications capability that meets the difficult, life-threatening challenges they face as they protect America.” The goal of the PSSA is to “raise awareness in the FCC, Congress, and the White House about the needs of our broadband public safety communications, including use of 4.9 GHz and the continued enhancement of FirstNet – the only nationwide, interoperable wireless communications network built for the first responders who protect America.”
Public Safety Spectrum Alliance (PSSA)
Position Paper July 2020
The Public Safety Spectrum Alliance (PSSA) is an alliance amongst the nation’s leading public safety leaders and associations. The PSSA is an initiative of the Public Safety Broadband Technology Association.