FCC Seeks Comment on Promoting Public Safety Use of 4.9 GHz Band

The Federal Communications Commission took action to protect public safety operations in the 4.9 GHz spectrum band and to move towards establishment of a nationwide, coordinated framework that would emphasize public safety needs while increasing overall use of the band and putting public safety on a path to 5G. In 2002, the FCC designated the 4.9 GHz band for public safety operations. In October 2020, the FCC adopted a state-by-state leasing framework that would have allowed states to take this prime mid-band spectrum away from public safety. After public safety organizations filed petitions for reconsideration of the FCC’s order, the FCC now rescinds the state-by-state leasing rules, finding that they risked fragmenting the band. The FCC also partially lifted a freeze on applications in this band to allow existing public safety licensees to modify their licenses and to license new permanent fixed sites. Additionally, the FCC adopted a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that seeks to establish a nationwide framework for the band that will spur technical innovation, lower equipment costs, and promote interoperable communications. The Further Notice explores options to ensure public safety use of the band, including protecting public safety users from harmful interference, collecting more granular licensing data, and adopting technical standards to promote interoperability. The Further Notice also seeks comment on ways to encourage use of new technologies, including 5G, and dynamic spectrum access systems to facilitate coexistence between public safety and non-public safety uses of the band. Taken together, today’s actions reset the 4.9 GHz band rules and chart a new course for enhancing public safety and realizing the full potential of the band.