WASHINGTON-A coalition of nine local and public-safety advocacy groups, led by the Association of Public-safety Communications Officials, released a statement urging Congress to pass a hard date to end TV’s transition to digital technology.
“We are writing to remind Congress that this issue is not just about reclaiming radio spectrum for new commercial services, it is not just about off-air reception of TV signals, and it is not just about spectrum auction revenue to help balance the budget. Ending the DTV transition is also, and we believe most importantly, about making spectrum available for our nation’s first responders,” said the groups. “Public-safety agencies have been waiting since 1997 for this spectrum. Federal Communications Commission rules are in place, states have been issued licenses, interoperability standards have been adopted, and radio equipment already exists to operate in the new spectrum. However, without a firm date for the end of the DTV transition, and thus a firm date for the nationwide availability of the new spectrum, most public-safety agencies cannot begin detailed planning, purchasing or constructing of new radio systems.”
In 1997, Congress said that on Jan. 1, 2007, broadcasters would have to return the extra 6 megahertz of spectrum given to TV broadcasters to facilitate the DTV transition. But there was a caveat: TV broadcasters could keep the spectrum if more than 15 percent of the homes in their viewing areas could not receive digital signals. Removing the caveat has become known as establishing a hard date and has been widely encouraged by the wireless industry, which wants access to that spectrum.
Once the spectrum is returned, 24 megahertz has been set aside for public safety.
“The spectrum cannot be used in most heavily populated areas until the end of the DTV transition. Until then, many public-safety agencies will be forced to continue operating on dangerously congested radio systems, to postpone activation of fully interoperable radio networks in their regions, and to forgo new communications tools needed to enhance law enforcement, fire protection, emergency medical services and homeland security,” said the groups.
The statement was signed by APCO, the Congressional Fire Services Institute, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the Major Cities Chiefs Association, the Major County Sheriffs’ Association, the National Association of Counties, the National League of Cities and the National Sheriffs’ Association.
