FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 27, 2011
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kristy Weinshel
202.833.6815
kristy.weinshel@utc.org
Utilities and Public Safety Seeking to Share Spectrum
Promotes Interoperability
UTC Requests a Waiver to Allow Sharing of 700 MHz Public Safety Spectrum
Washington, D.C. - The Utilities Telecom Council (UTC) filed
an ex parte submission with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), requesting a waiver of various petitioners to allow the establishment of 700 MHz interoperable public safety wireless broadband networks in response to an opposing ex parte filing by T-Mobile.
“None of T-Mobile’s arguments withstand serious scrutiny,” wrote UTC Deputy General Counsel Brett Kilbourne. “While none of T-Mobile’s arguments have merit, it should also be noted that none are relevant to the substantive issues raised in UTC’s filings in this proceeding, namely 1) the eligibility to share 700 MHz public safety spectrum and 2) the use of the spectrum for fixed as well as mobile operations.” UTC reiterates that utilities are eligible to share this spectrum with public safety because they provide “public safety services” as defined in Section 337(f)(1) of the Communications Act and the FCC’s National Broadband Plan.
UTC opposes the ex parte filing by T-Mobile and urges the FCC to promote 700 MHz public/private partnerships between utilities and public safety for interoperability as well as fiscal responsiveness. The FCC should grant waivers to partnerships between public safety and utilities, and it should permit fixed operations on a primary basis using the 700 MHz public safety broadband spectrum.
Utilities Telecom Council
The Utilities Telecom Council (UTC) is a global, full-service trade association dedicated to creating a favorable business, regulatory, and technological environment for members. Founded in 1948, UTC has evolved into a dynamic organization that represents the broad communications interests of electric, gas, and water utilities; natural gas pipelines; other critical infrastructure entities and other industry stakeholders. Visit www.utc.org for more information on UTC and its services.
