There are major, unresolved issues surrounding the D-block legislation language requiring Public Safety agencies to move off their UHF T-Band frequencies within 9 or 11 years. The City of Chicago stepped up and addressed these issues in a Request for Advisory Opinion, published last Thursday at the FCC.
Chicago has a great deal of time and money ($23 million in fact) invested into their current system which uses T-Band frequencies. These frequencies were chosen due to a major shortage of spectrum in the region, and without them Chicago's system would crumble.
Chicago is not alone in their panic. Major metropolitan areas are often are plagued with clogged airways, and UHF T-Band spectrum is the only option for many. The letter signed by OEMC's Captain Martin Ryczek addresses both the funding and frequency burdens not acknowledged by the new law.
“The thought that the city’s vital public safety radio networks can be turned to junk without any recourse or alternative spectrum is beyond disturbing,” the letter says. “It is, moreover, a waste and condemnation of public property without consideration to the affected interest of officer or citizens."
For more information on this important Request for Advisory opinion, read the Urgent Communications article.
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