FCC Rulemaking on Public Safety Spectrum Considers WEC’s Comments

9.25.2008 - The FCC released a Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) regarding 700 MHz re-auction of the D-Block spectrum for shared use by public safety and the winning commercial bidder [WT Docket No. 06-150 and PS Docket No. 06-229].  In June 2008 The Wireless Emergency Communications (WEC) Project of the Wireless RERC filed comments in the FCC’s Second FNPRM regarding the same.  Nine of those comments were considered in the new proceeding and the tentative conclusions outlined by the FCC seeking further comment.  Specifically of note were WEC comments supporting limitations on public safety access to commercial spectrum during emergencies; defining circumstances that constitute an emergency granting such priority access; adopting standards-based technologies for these additional spectrum bands to ensure that the community of hearing aid users is not left unable to access these new devices; considering the security of an open access wireless network; supporting a cap on fees paid by public safety to utilize the spectrum; and the incorporation of guidance from State and local emergency communications committee (we encouraged the committees to have representation from the disability community) in the development of a public safety migration plan to the new network.  References can be found in the body of the document in paragraphs 125, 307, 385 and 422 and the footnotes of paragraphs 83 (footnote 172), 85 (footnotes 182 and 186), paragraph 105 (footnotes 221) and paragraph 387 (footnote 763).

Text of the 3^rd FNPRM

Comments of the Wireless RERC