The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology has approved legislation that would reallocate the 700MHz D Block of spectrum to create a nationwide public safety communications network. While passage of the bill certainly advances the discussion after a long delay, it appears to do so at the expense of local control and funding.
Not only does the legislation, known as the "Jumpstarting Opportunity with Broadband Spectrum (JOBS) Act of 2011" contain insufficent funding for construction of the network, it also includes a provision that would allow modifications to existing wireless towers without regard for local or state zoning authority and requires a return of public safety narrowband spectrum in exchange for the D-block to commercial interests within 5 years of there being agreed to standards for emergency voice services.
Local government groups such as the National League of Cities would prefer the Senate version of the legislation and comparable House bill that was introduced during subcommittee proceedings by Congressman Henry Waxman and Congresswoman Anna Eshoo. That version was rejected on a partisan vote.
Michigan Congressmen Dingell, Rogers and Upton are on the full Energy and Commerce Committee. Members are urged to contact each of them and tell them that the language as passed by the subcommittee is overbroad and unnecessary and that the proposed language rejected in committee or something similar should be considered.
D block_NLC letter_house-wireless-public-safety-nov2011[1].pdf (319.45 kb)
Arnold Weinfeld is Director of Strategic Initiatives and Federal Affairs for the Michigan Municipal League He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail.
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