Nationwide Broadband Communications Network
Since well before the September 11th attacks, first responders have had a clear need for additional radio spectrum space so they can communicate more effectively. In the wake of those terrorist acts, the 9/11 Commission made it clear that providing more radio spectrum to emergency services was a priority for improving both security and safety. Gaining access to a greater range of the spectrum would allow emergency services personnel to communicate more effectively.
On July 31, 2007 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) revised plans to auction portions of the 700 MHz band of radio spectrum in order to create a nationwide interoperable broadband network for use by public safety. The revised FCC rule bundled 10 MHz scheduled to be auctioned (commonly referred to as the “D Block”) with 12 MHz already designated for public safety to build the network.
In March 2010, the FCC came out with a new plan to put the D Block up for auction. The plan was to build out a nationwide broadband communications network that public safety would have access to, but public safety would have less control over what the network would look like and how priority access would be obtained.
The NVFC's top priority for D Block funding is the establishment of a nationwide broadband communications network that volunteer departments can access at a relatively inexpensive rate. Establishment of a nationwide broadband network that includes rural areas would be hugely beneficial to volunteer agencies because it would give them access to communications tools that would otherwise either not be available at all or would be available but too expensive to purchase. Volunteer agencies could potentially utilize a broadband communications network to upgrade intra- and interoperability without having to purchase expensive new equipment.
Early in the 112th Congress, on January 25, 2011 Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) reintroduced D Block legislation (S. 28) that would: 1) Ensure the deployment of a nationwide public safety interoperable broadband network in the 700 MHz band which is deployed in both rural and urban areas; 2) Reallocate and integrate the 700 MHz D Block spectrum for use by public safety entities; 3) Permit flexible use of narrowband spectrum; 4) Ensure that the nationwide public safety broadband network is fully interoperable on a nationwide basis; 5) Establish a 10-year public safety advisory board; and 6) Establish two funds to pay for the construction and maintenance of the network, including a grant program to provide direct assistance to public safety entities.
On June 9, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation voted to favorably report S. 911, the Strengthening Public-safety and Enhancing Communications Through Reform, Utilization, and Modernization (SPECTRUM) Act. S. 911 is similar to S. 28 and was introduced by Senator Rockefeller and co-sponsored by Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX). Rockefeller and Hutchison are the Chairman and Ranking Member, respectively, of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.
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