FCC ALLOCATES 50 MHZ OF PUBLIC SAFETY SPECTRUM
Citing stepped-up efforts on homeland security initiatives, FCC unanimously approved order Thurs. to allocate 50 MHz of spectrum in 4.9 GHz band to support public safety operations. Commission said band could be used for applications such as high-speed digital technologies and wireless local area networks for emergency response. Order allocated 4.9 GHz band for fixed and mobile use and designates band, which has been transferred from govt. to nongovt. use, for support of public safety, said Wireless Bureau Chief Thomas Sugrue. At agenda meeting, FCC also adopted further notice seeking comment on what licensing and service rules “will further our goal of providing public safety personnel access to the latest broadband technologies,” he said.
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Spectrum can be used for wireless links for portable transceivers, headsets, thermal imagers, video cameras and 3D locators. Genevieve Augustin, attorney in Bureau’s Policy & Rules Div., said several devices could be integrated into specialized helmets and suits, allowing localized coverage around officer or vehicle, she said. Wireless LANs for public safety personnel would enable voice, high-speed data and full-motion video transmission to emergency personnel who are at scene of incident, she said.
Further notice seeks comment on: (1) Eligibility to use band in support of public safety. FCC also is exploring possibility of making spectrum available to utilities and railroads, which are among entities identified by Congress in 1997 as falling under category of public safety radio services. (2) Best ways to accommodate needs of public safety community in that spectrum. Besides broadband applications, public safety community may want to use fixed microwave links on band, as well, she said. (3) How to encourage flexible use of band, exploring options such as state licensing, blanket licensing or unlicensed operations. Item also looks at using regional planning committees to administer spectrum. Other “untraditional” alternatives for managing spectrum are covered, such as using public safety band manager, Augustin said. (4) Technical issues related to use of band, such as channelization plans. (5) How to minimize impact of the operations at 4.9 GHz on adjacent Navy cooperative engagement capability system.
Item begins to “deliver on the Commission’s new homeland security policy priorities,” FCC Comr. Abernathy said. “While public safety issues have always been important to the Commission there is no doubt that this fall’s events created a new sense of urgency.” She said decision had 3 key components: (1) National flexible allocation. (2) Broadband capability. (3) Possible international harmonization. In preparation for 2003 World Radio Conference meeting in Caracas, FCC is examining value of potential global allocation for public protection use, she said.
“This spectrum will significantly enhance public safety with some high end technological applications,” FCC Comr. Copps said. In more general terms, he said he was interested in finding out more about how Commission was doing in satisfying spectrum needs of public safety community after this decision. In future proceeding, Copps said FCC could ask whether agency was allocating right amount of public safety spectrum. Comr. Martin said he also supported further exploration of whether agency had allocated enough public safety spectrum. Focus shouldn’t just be on amount of spectrum but whether it was being allocated efficiently, he said.