Last month I wrote about the beginning of a saga regarding using public spectrum to build an emergency broadband network to ensure that early responders have access to communication when they need it. If the topic is new to you, you might want to read the earlier post (Debate on the Emergency Broadband Network ) before perusing the articles that follow.
I wanted to mention the “saga” in the upcoming eNews. I also wanted to point readers to the latest articles on the issue so I thought I’d create an annotated bibliography. So the following is a quick and dirty picture of where we are today.
McCain Introduces 700 MHZ Legislation (March 2, 2007)
Mobile Radion Technology reports that Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) introduced new legislation that would auction off the available spectrum but requires bidders to commit to building a network that meets standards set by a public-safety working group and agree to let public-safety entities access the network.
National Capital Region First to Deploy 700 MHZ Wireless Network for Public Safety Communication (March 2, 2007)
DC and the surrounding region will be the first in the nation to establish a public-safety regional wireless network at 700 MHz with the selection of Alcatel-Lucent as the equipment infrastructure vendor.
FCC public safety network plan found wanting (Feb 27, 2007)
Washington Technology reports that the National Public Safety Telecommunications Council says that the spectrum reserved by the FCC is inadequate.
Frontline Launches Plan For More First Responder Spectrum (Feb 26, 2007)
Frontline Wireless announces that they filed a proposal with the FCC to create an open access, wholesale broadband 4G network serving both public safety users and carriers.
Public Safety Spectrum: Technology Holy War? (Feb 15, 2007)
Wireless Week advocates for an open network standard based on existing commercial standards (with more stringent operating protocols) as opposed to a proprietary standard for a national public safety network.
