Key Lawmakers Seek Input On Public Safety Communications

On June 30, leaders of the House Commerce Committee wrote Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski seeking input on draft legislation the panel is crafting that would implement recommendations for the creation of a national interoperable broadband public safety network as well as information on the state of the public safety communications market.

The letter was sent by Committee Chairman Henry Waxman (D-CA), ranking member Joe Barton (R-TX), Communications Subcommittee Chairman Rick Boucher (D-VA), and subcommittee ranking member Cliff Stearns (R-FL). Boucher's panel held a hearing earlier this month on his draft public safety communications bill that would implement recommendations included in the FCC's national broadband plan for the creation of an interoperable network for public safety. The FCC plan recommended that the D-block of spectrum be auctioned to commercial bidders, and the proceeds be used to help build the public safety network. The FCC has directed that public safety be given 10 megahertz of spectrum for such a network. In addition to implementing these recommendations, Boucher's draft bill would authorize federal funds if the auction proceeds are not enough to build the public safety network. Public safety officials oppose the proposal to auction the D-Block for commercial use and have called on Congress to reallocate the D-Block directly for public safety use, saying the FCC's proposal is insufficient to meet public safety needs.