Earlier this spring, the media coverage began to focus on the 2014 incentive auctions following a letter to the FCC on behalf of the Expanding Opportunities for Broadcasters Coalition. The broadcasters raised 3 major points: Artificial limits should not be placed on potential compensation for broadcasters The Commission should not exclude potential wireless bidders The … Continue reading
FirstNet Chairman Sam Ginn recently testified at an Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology hearing entitled “ Oversight of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) and Emergency Communications” (Subcommittee Examines Status of FirstNet and Emergency Communications). Ginn acknowledged the significance of FirstNet’s endeavor noting no network of this kind has ever been created. … Continue reading
Why Broadcasters May Hold the Fate of the National Public Safety Broadband Network in Their Hands What a year it has been for public safety. In February 2012 historic legislation was passed creating the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) charged with creating a national public safety broadband network (NPSBN). The community quickly dove into excited … Continue reading
CTIA’s grab at BAS frequencies raises public-safety questions The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has responded to a letter to FCC on behalf of wireless trade group CTIA. CTIA wants the commission to consider reclaiming some broadcaster auxiliary services (BAS) spectrum for commercial mobile broadband use. NAB contests that CTIA’s proposal could actually be a … Continue reading
Oversight of the Federal Communications Commission On March 12, 2013 the Senate Commerce Committee held and oversight hearing on the Federal Communications Commission, in which all five commissioners testified. Committee Chairman Jay Rockefller (D-WV) identified cybersecurity and construction of the national public safety broadband network (NPSBN) as two of the key priorities for government and … Continue reading
Broadcaster group worried FCC will limit auction proceeds Part of the Middle Class Tax Relief Act of 2012 was not only the creation of a national public safety broadband network (NPSBN) but also the Congressional authorization for the FCC to encourage TV stations to voluntarily give up their spectrum for auction to wireless carriers. The … Continue reading
House to hold hearing on public safety network The House Energy and Commerce subcommittee on Communications and Technology will hold a hearing Thursday March 14, 2013 to examine the construction of the nationwide broadband network for first responders. The committee has not announced witnesses but said members will hear from FirstNet and private sector groups … Continue reading
FirstNet chairman outlines goals to governors FirstNet Chairman Sam Ginn spoke last week at the National Governors Association (NGA) in Washington D.C. Ginn told the governors that much of the national public safety broadband network (NPSBN) will not only provide cost savings for state and local first responder agencies, but it will also allow local … Continue reading
FCC Prepares to Clear Public Safety Users From T-Band The FCC has issued a Public Notice seeking input on clearing public-safety communications from the T-band. The T-band is spectrum that many public safety users in large urban areas share with broadcasters. The Spectrum Act requires the FCC to make this spectrum available for auction in … Continue reading
New Orleans leverages Harris LTE pilot during Super Bowl This year’s Super Bowl was exciting for a number of reasons especially if you are a Ravens fan, but the public safety community also has something to be excited about. First responders teamed with Harris to use 14 LTE devices that allowed them to stream video … Continue reading
