Proposal Would License Key Segment of 700 MHz Spectrum for Public Safety, Remove it From Auction Block

By: News Report on November 01, 2006

A 30 MHz block of spectrum in the 700 MHz band -- presently allocated for commercial use and scheduled to be auctioned in 2008 -- is ideally suited for a nationwide public safety wireless broadband network because of its distinctive physical properties, say some public safety agencies.

Following a Federal Communications Commission action Monday placing on public notice Cyren Call's proposal to create a public safety wireless broadband network, company officials urged public safety, industry and government leaders to file comments on the proposal with the FCC by the November 29, 2006 deadline.

Cyren Call also added it is working with public safety representatives on congressional legislation to enable the plan. Under Cyren Call's proposal, the FCC would establish a Public Safety Broadband Trust to hold the license for a key segment of spectrum in the 700 megahertz (MHz) band, and to structure innovative arrangements for its use, placing public safety needs first but requiring commercial usage secondarily.

Late Monday, the FCC's Reference Information Center released a public notice listing Cyren Call's petition and providing the public with an opportunity to comment on the proposal. "Over the last six months, we have traveled around the country seeking support for the principles underlying our proposal from public safety, industry and government leaders," Cyren Call Chairman Morgan O'Brien said. "The next 30 days are the time for all of those leaders to formally tell the FCC what they've been saying publicly for months: a new solution is needed for public safety's communications challenges."

"Congress will have the final say over how best to use this valuable spectrum resource," O'Brien said. "Cyren Call has been working closely with public safety leaders in drafting legislation that addresses both the statutory authority of the FCC to adopt new rules as well as the budget implications of removing the spectrum from the scheduled auction. Given the strong backing that public safety has expressed for preserving this spectrum for public use, we are confident this legislation will receive significant support."

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