FCC Seeks Comment On National Public Safety Telecommunications Council's 4.9 GHZ National Plan Recommendations Final Report

The Federal Communications Commission’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau seeks comment on the above-captioned 4.9 GHz National Plan Recommendations Final Report submitted by the National Public Safety Telecommunications Council (NPSTC) on October 24, 2013.

NPSTC filed this Report in connection with a Fifth Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking released by the FCC on June 13, 2013, which considered a number of issues to improve spectrum efficiency and to encourage greater use of the 4940-4990 MHz (4.9 GHz) band for public safety communications. In that proceeding, the FCC noted, inter alia, that it wanted “to reevaluate our existing policies and to consider approaches to spur robust and efficient use in this band.” Specifically, the FCC sought comment on alternative frequency coordination proposals, current uses of the band, cost-effective ways to improve accessibility, and proposals regarding expanded eligibility, as well as alternative licensing approaches.

Interested parties may file comments on or before November 22, 20136 and reply comments on or before December 13, 2013.