Drew Clark writes: "The FCC and Congress' Government Accountability Office each released major studies about the use of radio-frequency spectrum, particularly the prime frequencies that would be available with congressional passage of digital television legislation. ¶ GAO explored how the FCC allocates spectrum, and it concluded that current procedures stifle the effective use of radio frequencies. The FCC examined whether public-safety officials need access to more spectrum -- and concluded that, at least for now, they do not. ...¶... In its report dated Dec. 19 but released late Wednesday [12/21], the FCC said: 'Public-safety commenters generally agree that emergency-response providers need access to additional spectrum, but there is a lack of unanimity within the public-safety community regarding how much spectrum will be needed. We expect that public safety's long-terms needs will become clearer' as they begin to utilize the new 24 megahertz, as well as other portions of spectrum. " Link: National Journal. This free link is temporary. The article is also available here, but a subscription is required.
The FCC's report is titled, Report to Congress on the Study to Assess Short-term and Long-term Needs for Allocations of Additional Portions of the Electromagnetic Spectrum for Federal, State and Local Emergency Response Providers. Link: FCC [pdf, 72 pp]. --Dennis
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