Washington, D.C. (October 15, 2024) – The Coalition for Emergency Response and Critical Infrastructure (CERCI) expressed its disappointment today that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) appears to be moving to approve a Report and Order on the future of the 4.9 GHz spectrum band without a complete understanding and factual record of how public safety utilizes the band. Additionally, CERCI is concerned that the proposed order could upend local control of existing public-safety systems in the band while resulting in a multi-billion-dollar spectrum windfall for AT&T that would allow unlimited commercial use of the band. An order along those lines will only slow reform of the 4.9 GHz band and face significant legal challenges.  

CERCI Chairman Chief Kenneth Corey (NYPD, Ret.) said: “While we are not certain about the content of the circulated order, this step is deeply concerning. We will of course reserve final judgement until we have an opportunity to review the order when it is made public for the first time, but we fear the Commission’s action may be detrimental to large segments of the public safety community. CERCI remains committed to advocating for local control in the 4.9 GHz band, ensuring that it remains available to the thousands of public-safety professionals who depend on it to keep our communities safe.”

As CERCI and numerous local-public-safety officials have repeatedly emphasized, public-safety agencies across the country currently rely on the 4.9 GHz spectrum for life-saving communications. Currently there are 3,715 active licenses are held on the band across all 50 states, three U.S. territories, and Washington, D.C., and 25 states hold 50 or more licenses each. CERCI remains concerned that the draft Order circulated by the Chairwoman will fail to protect existing public-safety operations, disrupt day-to-day usage, and eliminate the ability to meet the specific communications needs of local first responders.

To learn more about 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.