AT&T Recommendations on Broadband and Public Safety

In a filing at the Federal Communications Commission in reply to questions about broadband's role in public safety, homeland security, and cybersecurity, AT&T recommends that:

1) the FCC adopt a "leveraged network" model for a national interoperable wireless broadband public safety network,

2) Congress repurpose the 10 MHz of 700 MHz D-Block commercial spectrum (758-763/788-793 MHz) for public safety broadband use,

3) the FCC should encourage public safety entities to use a standard Request for Proposal ("RFP") process - perhaps with PSST consultation - to negotiate agreements with commercial operators on a regional basis and leverage existing and future commercial networks based on the unique needs of local and regional public safety agencies,

4) the FCC should establish technological standards and minimum system requirements for these public safety broadband systems and ensure that all networks adopt the LTE radio technology platform and infrastructure. Ultimately, nationwide interoperability would be achieved by linking the 700 MHz local and regional networks and establishing reciprocal roaming agreements and credentialing procedures between all public safety entities.