Emergency Communications

FCC Asks How to Proceed on D Block Re-auction

Submitted by Benton Foundation on May 14, 2008 - 7:04pm

The Federal Communications Commission is seeking public comment on how the Commission should proceed with the re-auction and licensing of the 700 MHz D Block spectrum while maximizing the public safety and commercial benefits of a nationwide, interoperable broadband network.

FCC Meeting on D Block Spectrum Auction Today

Submitted by Benton Foundation on May 13, 2008 - 7:18pm

The Federal Communications Commission will NOT consider an Order addressing Promotion of Spectrum Efficient Technologies at Wednesday's public meeting. The item has already been adopted by the FCC. That means the meeting will focus solely on rules for re-auctioning "D Block" 700 MHz band spectrum.

May 14 FCC Agenda

Submitted by Benton Foundation on May 8, 2008 - 8:35am

The Federal Communications Commission will hold an Open Meeting on Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. in Room TW-C305, at 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. The Commission will consider: 1) promotion of spectrum efficient technologies and 2) new rules for auction of the "D block" 700 MHz spectrum.

Sprint Mulls Shedding Nextel Unit

Submitted by Benton Foundation on May 6, 2008 - 7:16am

Wireless provider Sprint Nextel Corp. is considering spinning off or selling its ailing Nextel unit. The move would be a dramatic acknowledgment that Sprint's $35 billion acquisition of Nextel Communications in 2005 has been a failure.

Report clears adviser's role in wireless auction

Submitted by Benton Foundation on April 26, 2008 - 3:59pm

An investigation has cleared Cyren Call, a for-profit adviser of any blame for tripping up U.S. government plans to create a wireless network that could be shared with emergency workers.

Chairman Martin's Press Conference 4.24.08

Submitted by Benton Foundation on April 24, 2008 - 8:21pm
Last updated: April 25, 2008 - 7:47am

FCC Chairman Martin had lots of good news when he met the press Thursday: 1) more notice about FCC meeting agenda's, 2) more work on creating a nationwide emergency communications network, 3) regulatory relief for AT&T, and 4) continued support for cable leased access rules.

D Block: Looking back and moving forward

Submitted by Benton Foundation on April 22, 2008 - 7:30am

What's next for the D Block spectrum? That’s the predicament facing the Federal Communications Commission in the aftermath of the failure to attract a bidder willing to cough up $1.3 billion for the national commercial/public- safety license in the recently completed 700 MHz auction.

Dingell to Examine Financial Relationship Between PSST, Cyren Call

Submitted by Benton Foundation on April 16, 2008 - 7:28pm

House Commerce Committee Chairman John Dingell (D-MI) wants to take a closer look at the financial arrangement between the Public Safety Spectrum Trust and outside contractor Cyren Call. Cyren Call has a contract to consult for the trust on the building of a public/private national network that must be shared with first-responders.

700 MHz Auction Oversight Hearing Recap

Submitted by Benton Foundation on April 15, 2008 - 8:40pm
Last updated: April 17, 2008 - 7:49pm

The House Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Internet oversight hearing on the Federal Communications Commission's 700 MHz auction is getting a lot of ink. Lawmakers want to know why a plan aimed at using public airwaves and private money to create a nationwide emergency communications network failed to attract any interest in an otherwise successful spectrum auction. All five members of the FCC testified.

Congress to examine failure of plan for emergency communications network

Submitted by Benton Foundation on April 15, 2008 - 9:38am

A congressional panel wants to know why a plan aimed at using public airwaves and private money to create a nationwide emergency communications network failed to attract any interest in an otherwise successful spectrum auction.