WASHINGTON, D.C., (April 18, 2024) – The Coalition for Emergency Response and Critical Infrastructure (CERCI), a broad-based coalition of public-safety, critical infrastructure industry (CII), and telecommunications entities, is commending the Southwest Border Sheriffs’ Coalition (SWBSC) and Texas Border Sheriff’s Coalition (TBSC) for approving a resolution calling for the 4.9 GHz spectrum band to stay in local use.

The resolution, which was approved last week, resolves that the “the Southwest Border Sheriffs’ Coalition and Texas Border Sheriff’s Coalition advocate for the retention of local control over the 4.9 GHz band, endorsing Model 2 to maintain genuine local control of the public-safety band while accommodating compatible CII systems.”

It continued, “SWBSC and TBSC reject the proposal for a nationwide license to FirstNet and oppose the direction to appoint a nationwide Band Manager, as such actions would impede local public-safety choice and control in the band, potentially forcing existing local public-safety operations off the band and granting exclusive access to AT&T’s commercial and FirstNet customers, thus eliminating the opportunity for mission-specific CII systems in the 4.9 GHz band.”

CERCI Chair Chief Kenneth Corey (NYPD, Ret.) said the border sheriffs understand the importance of maintaining local control of public-safety communications systems. “CERCI thanks the Border Sheriffs for their service and their perspective on the need to keep the 4.9 GHz spectrum in the hands of state and local law enforcement. These sheriffs are at the tip of the spear when it comes to protecting their communities and our nation’s border. Policy makers need to hear from users of the band so they can fully appreciate the role it plays in protecting the public.”

To read the full resolution, please click HERE. To learn more about the CERCI please visit responsecoalition.com.

CONTACT: Jo Maney (jmaney@bgrpr.com)

ABOUT THE COALITION FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE

The Coalition for Emergency Response and Critical Infrastructure (CERCI) is committed to maintaining local control of vital 4.9 GHz public-safety spectrum and working with the FCC to promote innovative usage of the band including non-interfering critical infrastructure uses. The founding members of the CERCI are Competitive Carriers Association, Edison Electric Institute (EEI), Major Cities Chiefs Association, National Sheriffs Association, T-Mobile, Verizon, and UScellular. Additional members include the California State Sheriffs’ Association, the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, and the Industry Council for Emergency Response Technologies.