The Cyren Call of Interoperability

THE CYREN CALL OF INTEROPERABILITY
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: John Eggerton]
The Senate Commerce Committee heard a pitch Thursday for creating a public-private trust and putting half of the spectrum being reclaimed from the switch to DTV into the trust. Pushing back on the idea were legislators suggesting the proposal could muck up the DTV transition. Police and fire chiefs testifying before the legislators argued that the trust would provide enough spectrum and funds to create an inter-operable nationwide emergency communications system. The creation of this system is high on the list of Congress post-9/11. The idea, being pitched by a company called Cyren Call, is that the 30 Mhz that would be put into the fund is enough spectrum to attract private capital to build the network. Then it could be used for private purposes when it wasn't being used for emergencies. Arguing against the proposal was the wireless telephone industry. CTIA President Steve Largent said that the 24 mHz of spectrum already allocated for emergency response by the DTV transition bill is sufficient to create that network. He continued to say that taking an additional 30 Mhz out of the auction would disrupt the transition to digital and the roll-out of advanced wireless services by the companies -- his members -- planning to bid on the spectrum at auction. Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), was particularly skeptical about the Cyren Call proposal. He said it sounded good in theory, but in practice could undermine funding for the DTV set-top box converter program and other programs slated to get money from the auction.
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6414838?display=Breaking+News

* Powell Weighs in on the Allocation of Communications Spectrum
Former FCC Chairman Michael Powell sent a letter to Senate Commerce Committee Vice Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) supporting the DTV transition bill's plan for first responder communications and taking aim at an alternative being pushed by Cyren Call. The DTV bill set a hard date for the transition and put aside $1 billion and 24 mHz of spectrum for first responders. He said during his tenure he "saw the need to act urgently and resist the never-ending parade of new ideas and new plans." Powell has four questions concerning the Cyren Call proposal: 1) Would it delay existing plans for an interoperable system? 2) Would it disrupt funding? 3) Is it complex, with too many moving parts? 4) "Who is going to benefit the most, those in uniform who are sworn to serve or those in suits who are set to profit?"
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6415099.html?display=Breaking...

Sen. Stevens Voices Concerns About Proposed Safety Network
[SOURCE: Technology Daily 2/8, AUTHOR: David Hatch]
http://www.njtelecomupdate.com/lenya/telco/live/tb-LWRX1171391938708.html