FRC Calls Competing Spectrum Plans "Risky Business," Says Public Safety is Best Served by Continuing the DTV Transition

Washington, D.C. – June 1, 2007 – Steven Jones, Executive Director of the First Response Coalition (FRC – www.firstresponsecoalition.org) called on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to preserve the DTV transition and ensure first responders receive spectrum in the 700 MHz band as soon as possible. In remarks to the FCC's Spectrum Summit, Jones warned that while the various spectrum proposals offer some new ideas, first responders and the communities they serve should not be jeopardized by implementing untested business models.

"There is a lot of rhetoric about using the 700 MHz spectrum in different ways. But my message to the Commission and everyone here is simple. Public safety should not be left to 'risky business,'" said Jones.

The FRC supports the DTV transition and the allocation of 700 MHz spectrum as currently planned because it is the fastest method for improving first responder communications and achieving interoperability. The new public safety spectrum in the 700 MHz band will be available to augment current communications systems and enable first responders to expand their capabilities beyond voice and into advanced data and video applications. First responders will utilize the $1 billion grant fund, established as part of the DTV transition, to obtain desperately needed equipment and training.

With regard to the various alternative 700 MHz proposals, Jones said, "We simply do not know whether Frontline or any other new model will work. I support innovation and 'outside the box' thinking, but there is little in the Frontline proposal as filed that explains how the model would unfold in reality, how the financing would be generated, or how the proposal would be supported commercially. What if the approach fails? What happens to first responders then? This should give us all pause."

Read Jones' full statement to the Spectrum Summit.

For more information, contact Steven Jones at (202) 263-2904 or sjones@firstresponsecoalition.org

About the FRC

The FRC is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization promoting the needs of America's first responders in the areas of communications interoperability and data/information preparedness. The FRC represents the broad spectrum of first responders and their "friends and family" -- the communities and individuals served by first responders everyday. The First Response Coalition consists of tens of thousands of concerned citizens and first responders, as well as numerous first responder organizations and national membership groups. These organizations have joined our campaign because they understand that when we protect first responders we protect ourselves.