(The feeding frenzy over the 700 MHz auctions later this year is going to enormous. - SKS)
WASHINGTON and GREENSBORO, N.C., March 27 /PRNewswire/ -- To implement its Public Safety Broadband Deployment Plan, Frontline Wireless today filed at the Federal Communications Commission a "working draft" of proposed service rules for the 700 MHz spectrum auction. Frontline, whose plan would provide a privately-funded, national 4G public safety network for interoperability, is urging the FCC to promptly seek public comment on its suggestions.
Frontline's market-based approach would meet FCC and Congressional goals for providing adequate spectrum resources to meet first responders' mission- critical communications requirements. Under the proposal, the FCC would license a 10 MHz block of 700 MHz commercial spectrum -- the E Block -- under the license condition that the auction winner would build a nationwide infrastructure to support the public safety broadband network. Frontline's proposal would require that the licensee operate on a wholesale basis to support public safety network obligations that would be a license condition and provide priority access to public safety to its commercial spectrum during emergencies.
Frontline's proposed service rules build on previous filings made at the FCC and mark an important next step in providing a recommended policy road map for meeting key public policy objectives, including:
-- Providing for an early and extensive broadband wireless network build-
out without expense to public safety agencies or taxpayers;
-- Improving the status quo for first responders by providing additional
spectrum during emergencies;
-- Deploying a 4G network, with open access for wireless devices and
services, to provide national interoperability and local control via
virtual private networks for first responders; and,
-- Addressing a diverse range of key constituencies, including the roaming
requirements of small and rural wireless carriers and the needs of
healthcare providers for broadband coverage in remote and hard-to-reach
areas.
"Frontline looks forward to continuing to work with interested parties to refine this proposed regulatory framework, with enough flexibility so that implementation details will continue to be worked out between the commercial licensee and the public safety licensee," said Frontline Chairman Janice Obuchowski. "We strive for a balanced solution and appreciate the tight time schedule the FCC faces in holding an auction this fall. We will continue to direct our proposal toward ensuring this timetable remains on track," she said.
"These proposed service rules provide a clear way forward for a national, broadband wireless network for both public safety users and commercial customers, including those in rural areas," said Frontline Vice Chairman Reed Hundt.
The proposed service rules filed by Frontline would meet public interest objectives by: (1) Providing a framework for the proposed E Block commercial licensee and the public safety licensee to reach a voluntary agreement, reinforced by rules governing an aggressive network buildout timeline, interoperability, priority use and technical performance. (2) Allowing flexibility for the commercial, E Block licensee and the public safety licensee to define emergency. (3) Ensuring that the E Block licensee takes into account the needs of public safety. (4) Instituting rigorous, enforceable network buildout and coverage obligations. (5) Assuring compliance with CALEA, E-911 and other requirements through the obligations of retailers with whom the E Block license would provide network services on a required wholesale basis. (6) Providing all necessary protection should the E Block licensee enter bankruptcy.
For more information, reporters may contact Mary Greczyn on behalf of Frontline Wireless at (202) 371-2997 or mg@ftidc.com. For a copy of the filing made at the FCC, please visit the Frontline web site at http://www.frontlinewireless.com/.
About Frontline Wireless
Frontline Wireless, LLC (http://www.frontlinewireless.com/) is based in Greensboro, N.C., with offices in Washington, D.C. Frontline is organized for the purpose of building a nationwide public safety broadband network and is committed to providing innovative solutions for public safety and commercial users alike.
Led by industry veterans and public policy leaders, Frontline's team includes Chief Executive Officer Haynes Griffin, Chairman Janice Obuchowski and Vice Chairman Reed Hundt. Mr. Griffin is a wireless entrepreneur who founded Vanguard Cellular, later sold to AT&T Wireless, and is a past chairman of the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association. Ambassador Obuchowski has served the government in several leadership posts, including as administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and U.S. Ambassador to the 2003 World Radiocommunication Conference. Mr. Hundt is a past chairman of the FCC.
First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:
Source: Frontline Wireless, LLC
CONTACT: Mary Greczyn of Frontline Wireless, LLC, +1-202-371-2997,
mg@ftidc.com
Web site: http://www.frontlinewireless.com/
From PR Newswire via email
Comments