D Block

Spectrum Shell Game Continues

Stevie Converse — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 10:45:02 -0400

Full article: AdWeek
Katy Bachman
For congressional leaders looking to cut $4 trillion from the budget deficit, the $25 billion to $30 billion that could be raised from an auction of broadcast spectrum is like manna from heaven. But the big question for broadcasters and legislators is what sort of auction will result.

Dingell Spectrum Bill Protects Broadcast 'Essentials'

Stevie Converse — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 10:40:52 -0400

Full article: Broadcasting & Cable
John Eggerton
Reps. John Dingell (D-Mich.) and Gene Greene (D-Tex.) introduced the Public Safety Spectrum and Wireless Innovation Act, a version of the Senate incentive auction bill with one one key difference: It gives broadcasters many of the protections they have been seeking. Both the National Association of Broadcasters and the Communications Workers of America support their bill.

Kerry Endorses D Block Reallocation Bill

Lindsy Embree — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 11:03:19 -0400

Full article: The Hill
Sara Jerome
Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.), chairman of the Senate Commerce Communications subcommittee, endorsed a sweeping spectrum bill days before the divisive legislation faces its first test in the Senate.

NTIA Would Allot $7 Billion for Public Safety Network

Stevie Converse — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 09:38:46 -0500

Full article: The Hill
Sara Jerome
The telecom arm of the Commerce Department, NTIA, will administer funding for a national mobile broadband network for first responders under the White House budget proposal. The White House estimates the cost of the network at over $10 billion, but that includes as a cost the $3 billion the government would cede by choosing not to auction off the D Block of spectrum to commercial providers.

FCC D Block Priority: Interoperable and Sustainable Public Safety Net

Stevie Converse — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 10:01:47 -0400

Full article: Broadcasting & Cable
John Eggerton
The FCC has proposed trying to re-auction the D block of spectrum for a public-private partnership creating an interoperable emergency communications network, but the Commission appears ready to work with Congress and others on an alternative that puts the spectrum directly in the hands of public safety.

FCC: Delaying D Block Auction Could Hurt Public Safety

Lindsy Embree — Wed, 19 May 2010 09:21:07 -0400

Full article: Urgent Communications
Donny Jackson
First-responder agencies could be hampered if efforts to delay the commercial auction of the 700 MHz D Block are successful, according to an FCC deputy bureau chief.

Is There New Life for the Public Safety D Block of Spectrum?

Lindsy Embree — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 09:15:48 -0500

Full article: Ars Technica
Matthew Lasar
Remember all that planning and strategizing at the FCC about how to set up a national broadband powered public safety network -- something that police, fire, and medical first responders could use across the country? Well, the first signs of new life for that long-delayed scheme have surfaced.

Genachowski Commits to Feb. 17 Deadline for Universal Service Reform Options

Lindsy Embree — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:36:17 -0400

Full article: Broadcasting & Cable
John Eggerton
FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski committed to a deadline of no later than Feb. 17 to come up with "real options" on universal service reform and a plan for re-auctioning the D block of spectrum.

As AWS-3 and D-Block Auctions Hang in Limbo, Copps' FCC Aims to Improve Morale

Stevie Converse — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 09:47:59 -0500

Full article: RCR Wireless
Jeffrey Silva
The FCC is unlikely to take major actions on key wireless policies anytime in the near future, as the agency awaits a new Obama-appointed chairman. Acting head Michael Copps remains laser-focused on ensuring a smooth re-set digital TV transition, even as he begins to lay the foundation for anticipated management reforms.

Some Myths and Misunderstandings about Wireless Safety Broadband

Stevie Converse — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 08:28:35 -0500

Full article: COMCARE
David Aylward
Myths and misunderstandings surround the discussion of the D block, a slice of spectrum proposed for a national wireless broadband network for safety agencies and users. Three myths in particular appear in almost every story or speech on this topic.