FCC plan exempts public safety band

FCC PLAN EXEMPTS PUBLIC SAFETY BAND
[SOURCE: USAToday, AUTHOR: Leslie Cauley]
When Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin proposed sweeping new rules for wireless broadband last week, he included an escape hatch. And it's a big one: The winner of the "D-block" license will not be covered by his controversial proposal requiring bidders for the national licenses to let consumers use any device and supporting software they choose on the networks that use these airwaves. The national D-block license will be sold separately in the federal auction of the 700 MHz spectrum next year. The D-block, sometimes called the public safety band, is to be used for a national broadband network linking public safety agencies in emergencies. The plan grew from communications lapses exposed by the Hurricane Katrina disaster. Under Martin's plan, wireless carriers that win the other national licenses could not limit or control the devices and software applications to which consumers have access, as they do now. U.S. consumers, for the first time, would be free to use the multitude of devices, applications and innovations available worldwide. The D-block winner would have to give priority network access to fire, police and other agencies during emergencies. The rest of the time, it could use the spectrum as it pleases, and profit accordingly. Another draw: The carrier could continue to control which devices and software consumers use.
http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/money/20070716/3b_auction16.art.htm