New Obama Job Bill Includes D-Block

President Obama's recent speech to a joint session of Congress outlined a draft version of a jobs bill that includes reallocation of the 700 MHz D-block and provides $7 billion of nationwide LTE network funding ($3 billion less than the S.911 Senate bill) for Public Safety.

According a report released by the Telecommunications Industry Association, the nationwide LTE network buildout would create more than 100,000 new jobs.  With House Republicans focused on balancing the budget, reducing deficit, and creating jobs, it is important that this bill is beneficial to the economy as well as Public Safety. 

The Obama administration voiced support for D-block reallocation and funding previously, although S.911 (the D-block Senate bill).  Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.) has been an outspoken advocate for auctioning the D-block to commercial operators will reportedly introduce his legislative proposal within weeks.  Although Walden's proposal would prevent D-block allocation to Public Safety, many believe the introduction of such a debate will inspire a more productive debate. 

Read more at Urgent Communications.