In an Urgent Communications article today, Donny Jackson says yes, 700 MHz waiver recipients should have the ability to continue their current LTE projects.
The NTIA recently cautioned agencies who are pursuing 700 MHz LTE on their own to halt their progress and wait so that any infrastructure they purchase can be integrated into the new nationwide Public Safety broadband network.
The problem is that many, such as Los Angeles County, have already invested money and resources into their new systems, and stimulus Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) funding might be put at risk due to time constraints. Jackson also raises the point that the Public Safety Spectrum Trust (PSST) has stated the waiver recipients should be allowed to continue their LTE progress because it will provide valuable data and "real-world knowledge" for FirstNet that can be used to improve its 700 MHz broadband network.
Los Angeles County alone is at risk of losing $154.6 million of its BTOP grant. For now, the waiver recipients are only cautioned to stop work, but the FCC has not prohibited it.
Should the 700 MHz waiver recipients continue with their LTE deployment? Share your thoughts and comments below.
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