It looks like the FCC is embracing the idea of a public-private partnership after all for a nationwide public safety network. But this one won't ruffle any feathers in the operator community because it is proposed using spectrum in the 700 MHz band that public safety is already getting from the federal government. The commission yesterday proposed a national radio system based on IP technology that various public safety agencies could tap into. This would help solve the ridiculous communications problems first responders have encountered during major disasters as a result of various agencies using different systems and frequencies. The spectrum would be assigned to one national licensee that could offer public safety agencies voluntary access to a broadband service for a fee. The FCC recently shot down Cyren Call's proposal for a public-private partnership, primarily because it asked for spectrum that was to be allocated to commercial operators.
For more about the FCC's proposal:
- check out this article from PC World