A New Proposal for a Commercially-Run Nationwide Broadband System Serving Public Safety

The FCC proposes a basic approach that has great promise, but also potential dangers. This paper will discuss issues that deserve serious attention, and it will propose a new policy that is consistent with many aspects of this NPRM, but has extensions and modifications that would increase the chances of success, and eliminate much of the risk. While the FCC clearly plays a critical role on this issue, no one government agency has the resources and authority needed to make all of the necessary changes. There should be a concerted effort from multiple federal agencies, as well as state and local organizations. By sad necessity, the FCC is proposing in this NPRM to act alone in this NPRM, and that limits the options available. However the FCC has begun an important process, and we can hope that others will follow the FCC’s lead. This paper will also address some of the areas where other federal agencies could make critical contributions, perhaps initiated by an act of Congress or leadership from the Administration.