Several first responder organizations that need emergency communications, as well as T-Mobile, UScellular, Verizon, and the Competitive Carriers Association, formed a coalition to persuade the FCC to retain the 4.9 GHz band for public safety use. The Major Cities Chiefs Association, the National Sheriffs’ Association and the Edison Electric Institute are also members of the new Coalition for Emergency Response and Critical Infrastructure (CERCI).

CERCI has told the Commission the 4.9 GHz band is “essential” spectrum for current and future state, local, and public safety systems. Members note in a filing that the FCC recently confirmed the band “must retain its locally controlled, public safety nature.” CERCI emphasizes that use of the 4.9 GHz band “should be limited to critical infrastructure industry systems operating on a non-interfering basis.”…