4.9 GHz - Are We Done Yet?
Alan Tilles (Counsel, Law Offices Of Alan Tilles)
Andrew Maxymillian (Principal, Blue Wing Services)
Don Brittingham (President, Northern Lights Consulting)
Timothy McDowell (TS Communications and Wireless Manager, Washington State DOT)
Track: First Responders
Topics: Backhaul, Broadband, Regulatory & Legal + Standards, Spectrum Allocation
Format: Panel Session
Vault Recording: TBD
The fighting at the FCC between First Responders, potential Enterprise users, and Commercial interests have led to a multi-year freeze at the FCC that has last over four years. With multiple entities claiming to "represent" public safety interests, carriers wanting to exploit the band for commercial interests, and enterprise users thirsty for additional spectrum to meet non-traditional voice needs, the 4.9 GHz proceeding may ultimately exceed the lengthy delays of the T-Band. Has the industry's inability to reach a consensus lasted so long that potential users of expanded service opportunities gone to other spectrum or commercial services? Has the 4.9 GHz band outlived its usefulness to private wireless?
Takeaway
Update as to when, or whether, additional access to the 4.9 GHz will ever happen