In a heated battle over the control of critical public safety infrastructure, advocacy groups are urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to preserve local authority over the 4.9 gigahertz (GHz) band. At the heart of the dispute lies a proposal that would grant sweeping control to a national entity affiliated with AT&T, raising concerns among public safety stakeholders.

Renewed Calls for Local Control

The Coalition for Emergency Response and Critical Infrastructure (CERCI), representing a consortium of national law enforcement associations and telecom competitors Verizon and T-Mobile, has intensified its efforts to sway the FCC against a plan put forth by the Public Safety Spectrum Alliance (PSSA). Under the PSSA's proposal, FirstNet, an AT&T-affiliated first responder network, would wield a nationwide license for the 4.9 GHz band and assume authority to appoint a band manager.

CERCI vehemently opposes this plan, contending that it would undermine genuine local control. In a recent communication to the commission, the group stated, "Requiring local jurisdictions to subscribe to a nationwide network, operated exclusively by a commercial carrier, to access and use the 4.9 GHz band is not local control."

Public Safety Orgs Fight FirstNet, AT&T Control Of 4.9 GHz: Clash of Visions

The FCC recently enacted changes allowing for the integration of commercial technologies like 5G into the 4.9 GHz band, provided they do not disrupt incumbent public safety operations. Concurrently, the commission solicited feedback on a leasing framework that would centralize management under a national entity, diverging from the current system of localized agreements.

PSSA advocates for a model where a band manager, aligned with FirstNet Authority, oversees operations. Conversely, CERCI insists on maintaining local jurisdiction over the band, arguing that relinquishing control to FirstNet would curtail flexibility for local authorities.

Public Safety Orgs Fight FirstNet, AT&T Control Of 4.9 GHz: Local Needs at Stake

CERCI emphasizes the diverse applications of the 4.9 GHz band tailored to local requirements. In California, the state's department of transportation leverages the band for autonomous vehicle communications and traffic management systems. Similarly, in New York, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority relies on the band for subway safety and train control mechanisms.

The coalition warns that consolidating users under FirstNet's umbrella could jeopardize these specialized applications, urging the FCC to uphold the rights of local public safety licensees to manage their networks independently.

Public Safety Orgs Fight FirstNet, AT&T Control Of 4.9 GHz: Allegations and Denials

Accusations have flown from PSSA, alleging that CERCI's opposition serves as a proxy for AT&T's rivals. However, major law enforcement associations within CERCI vehemently deny these claims, asserting their commitment to local empowerment.

Upholding Local Authority

As the battle rages on, CERCI underscores the imperative of preserving locally controlled public safety systems to meet the nuanced demands of communities. The group reaffirms its stance, advocating for a path that prioritizes the unique needs of local jurisdictions over the consolidation of power in the hands of a single entity.

In a final plea to the FCC, CERCI implores, "The way forward in the 4.9 GHz band is by enabling locally controlled public-safety systems to meet locally identifiable needs, not by forcing public-safety users … to subscribe to FirstNet and rely solely on the FirstNet network."