Whitepaper: FirstNet Innovations – Revolutionizing Public Safety Communications

The Public Safety Spectrum Alliance (PSSA), a coalition to protect public safety’s use of mission-critical spectrum, including the 4.9 GHz Band, announced that it will not be deterred by the FCC’s action today to reallocate the 4.9 GHz spectrum to the states that has previously been allocated solely to public safety. “We are extremely disappointed by the FCC’s action that jeopardizes public safety’s access to spectrum critical to life-saving operations. Today’s action by the FCC shows clearly that commercial interests won out at public safety’s expense” according to Chief Jeff Johnson, CEO of the Western Fire Chiefs Association (WFCA) and former vice chairman of the FirstNet Authority. “ This spectrum was allocated by the FCC to public safety after 9/11 to be part of the interoperability solution for first responders.

The Public Safety Spectrum Alliance (PSSA), a coalition to protect public safety’s use of 4.9 GHz spectrum commends Commissioner Rosenworcel and Commissioner Starks for their support of public safety by dissenting on yesterday’s agenda item: Amendment of Part 90 of the Commission’s Rules, WP Docket No. 07-100. Their comments show that they clearly understand the significant negative impacts to public safety of this order and pointed out the procedural flaws in this proceeding that may violate the Administrative Procedures Act.

The Public Safety Broadband Technology Association (PSBTA) and the Public Safety Spectrum Alliance (PSSA) congratulates Ms. Jessica Rosenworcel on her appointment as Acting Chairwomen of the
Federal Communication Commission (FCC). Chairwomen Rosenworcel has served the FCC with distinction as a Commissioner since her appointment in 2012.