The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted on October 18 to approve new rules supporting a nationwide Band Manager framework for the 4.9 GHz band, as reported by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC).
The framework seeks to improve coordination within the 4.9 GHz band, enhancing public safety operations through the integration of current technologies, such as 5G.
The FCC outlined that a chosen Band Manager will be granted a nationwide overlay license, allowing for a spectrum-sharing agreement with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet).
This move is designed to maximize the use of the 4.9 GHz band for public safety purposes while protecting existing licensee operations from interference.
The FCC specified several key responsibilities for the national 4.9 GHz Band Manager.
These include frequency coordination, managing interference protections, and facilitating a spectrum-sharing agreement with FirstNet.
The Band Manager is expected to encourage the adoption of the latest commercially available technologies to optimize public safety spectrum use.
Additionally, the Band Manager will be required to submit an annual report to the FCC on its activities.
The FCC has mandated that any sharing agreement with FirstNet must include provisions for compliance with both FCC and National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) regulations, ensuring no harmful interference affects current license holders.
The FCC delegated authority to its Wireless Telecommunications and Public Safety & Homeland Security Bureaus to manage the Band Manager selection process.
This includes establishing procedures for the formation of a selection committee, setting selection criteria, and identifying representatives to participate on the committee.
The bureaus will also determine the structure and oversight for this selection process.
Although the FCC provided guidance on the selection procedures, it did not address funding for the new Band Manager position.
Decisions regarding funding mechanisms will be managed by the designated bureaus.
The FCC’s adoption of this framework opens the door for additional input from public safety organizations, including the IAFC, as it implements the Eighth Report and Order.
Future discussions will allow stakeholders to provide feedback on the management and functionality of the 4.9 GHz band to ensure it meets the evolving needs of public safety users.
The FCC has approved a framework for a nationwide Band Manager to coordinate the 4.9 GHz band for public safety use across the United States.
The selected Band Manager will hold a nationwide overlay license and manage a spectrum-sharing agreement with FirstNet.
Responsibilities include interference protection, promoting advanced technology integration, and submitting annual reports to the FCC.
The selection process will be managed by the FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications and Public Safety & Homeland Security Bureaus.
While funding for the Band Manager has not yet been addressed, the FCC’s decision allows for further input from organizations such as the IAFC as the framework is implemented.
