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Nov. 22, 2007

As some industry observers had expected, the FCC awarded the license for the 10 MHz of wireless spectrum in the 700 MHz band set aside for a public safety network to the Public Safety Spectrum Trust (PSST).

The organization is a non-profit established by public safety organizations for the purpose of overseeing the creation of a nationwide wireless network for first responders.

The awarded spectrum granted to the PSST will be combined with an adjacent 10 MHz of spectrum that will be auctioned off in two months, along with the rest of the 700 MHz spectrum.

Overall, the winning bidder is required to work with the PSST to create a national wireless network for both public safety organizations as well as commercial use.

The PSST was the only organization that applied for that FCC license.

Harlin McEwen, chairman of the PSST said "we are obviously grateful to the FCC Commissioners for recognizing the significant amount of work and progress achieved by the PSST in fulfilling the FCC's strict guidelines for creating a nationwide network for public safety."

McEwen added "holding the spectrum license is a responsibility the PSST takes very seriously as we embark upon building an unprecedented interoperable communications system for public safety."

The PSST also recently selected Cyren Call Communications as its designated wireless adviser to help the organization negotiate with the winning bidder of the adjacent 700 MHz spectrum.

The PSST board is comprised of representatives from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO), the Forestry Conservation Communications Association (FCCA), the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC).

It also consists of the National Association of State Emergency Medical Services Officials (NASEMSO), the National Sheriffs' Association (NSA) and a few more public safety organizations.

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Source: Wireless Week