2026 Agenda

The Safer Buildings Coalition's July 2025 FCC petition (47 CFR § 90.219) addresses critical coordination gaps in Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement Systems (ERCES) that have created "harmful noise and interference to public safety radio systems." While fire and building codes have required in-building coverage solutions since 2009, rapid growth in signal booster deployments has exposed the absence of standardized coordination procedures for the required "express consent" from frequency licensees.

This session examines SBC's proposed authorization framework that establishes clear technical criteria, streamlined compliance processes, and systematic tracking to address what DHS/CISA documented as "unknown implementations and operations of uncoordinated Bi-Directional Amplifiers potentially placing first responders in jeopardy." Speakers will discuss how the framework reinforces licensee authority while reducing administrative burden on public safety agencies, building owners, and contractors through market-based solutions and published standards. The FCC will be in the process of processing this proceeding. The panel will provide the latest updates based on the current status as of the time of the IWCE conference in March 2026.

Takeaway

1. CISA's and APCO's documented concerns about uncoordinated BDA deployments causing harmful interference to public safety radio systems
2. Proposed framework benefits: published technical criteria, streamlined compliance processes, systematic tracking, and third-party coordination options
3. Market-based solutions that reduce regulatory burden while addressing problems before they require government enforcement
4. Integration with existing fire code requirements and building safety infrastructure to eliminate project delays and confusion
5. Current coordination problems: lack of standardized procedures for requesting, evaluating, and tracking signal booster "express consent"