Public Safety Communications and Spectrum Resources: Policy Issues for Congress

Moore, Linda K.

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service.

关键词: Communications;    Telecommunication;    Telecommunication systems;    Radio frequency allocation;    Telecommunication policy;   

RP-ID  :  R40859
RP-ID  :  R40859_2010Jul15

美国|英语

来源: UNT Digital Library

【 摘 要 】

The availability of radio frequency spectrum is considered essential to developing a modern, interoperable communications network for public safety. Equally critical is building the radio network to use this spectrum. Opinions diverge, however, on such issues as how much spectrum should be made available for the network, who should own it, who should build it, who should operate it, who should be allowed to use it, and how it might be paid for. This report discusses potential paths forward for Congress in regards to modernizing communications. To resolve the debate and move the planning process forward, Congress may decide to pursue oversight or change existing law. Actions proposed to Congress include (1) authorizing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to reassign spectrum and (2) changing requirements for the use of spectrum auction proceeds. In particular, legislation in the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-171) might be modified. This law mandated the termination of analog television broadcasting and the release of those channels for other uses, including public safety.