The First Responder Network Authority is asking the FCC to condition the licenses or other authorizations to use the 700 megahertz Band 14 “upon the requirement that no operation on Band 14 be permitted without the express consent of FirstNet after July 31, 2017.”
In an Oct. 20 ex parte filing in PS dockets 12-94 and 06-229 and WT docket 06-150, FirstNet noted that its board in August authorized management to establish a spectrum relocation grant program to clear remaining incumbents from Band 14 to ensure available unencumbered spectrum for the nationwide public safety network (TRDaily, Aug. 17). FirstNet said recently that there are 13 incumbents in the spectrum, mostly public safety agencies.
“The Federal Funding Opportunity related to the program is expected to be released in early 2016. For the public safety incumbents currently operating on Band 14, FirstNet anticipates that the program will fund, among other possible relocation costs, necessary frequency coordination, technical assistance, and equipment retuning. The program performance period will likely extend through July 31, 2017, but FirstNet hopes that all of the Band 14 spectrum will be clear well prior to that date,” FirstNet said in its filing.
“In order to meet the requirements of the 2012 Act, and in preparation of the deployment and operation of the NPSBN, FirstNet requests that the continuation of Commission licenses or other authorizations under Band 14 by any incumbent be conditioned upon the requirement that no operation on Band 14 be permitted without the express consent of FirstNet after July 31, 2017,” FirstNet added. “FirstNet requests that the Commission take any other necessary action to ensure the cessation of operations on Band 14 in accordance with the conditions above.”
In a footnote, FirstNet said, “In addition or in the alternative to this request, we ask that the Commission consider conditioning any continued operation on Band 14 on the cessation of all operations on Band 14 within 90 days written notice to the Band 14 incumbent(s) from FirstNet that deployment of the NPSBN is to begin in its State.”- Paul Kirby, paul.kirby@wolterskluwer.com
Courtesy TRDaily