FCC Awards License for Public Safety Broadband Network

November 19, 2007 -- In an order issued today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granted the application of the Public Safety Spectrum Trust Corporation (PSSTC) for the single nationwide license for the public safety 700 MHz broadband spectrum allocation (i.e., the Public Safety Broadband License).

In response to a notice issued earlier this year, the FCC received one application for the Public Safety Broadband License. The application was filed by the PSSTC, an entity incorporated under the laws of the District of Columbia as a non-profit corporation. In its application, the PSSTC asserts that it is managed and controlled by public safety entities, has no commercial interests, is a non-profit organization, and is broadly representative of the public safety community. Further, PSSTC states that it has provided the necessary written certifications from at least ten geographically diverse state and local government entities.

In addition, PSSTC provides a description of the organization, including its Articles of Incorporation, and a discussion of how it is qualified to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the licensee, which include:

· Acting as chief promoter of the broadband spectrum needs of public safety entities;
· Administering access to the 700 MHz public safety broadband network;
· Assessing usage fees;
· Approving equipment and applications used by public safety entities;
· Overseeing the relocation of 700 MHz public safety narrowband operations;
· Managing priority access during emergencies.

The PSSTC's participants are drawn from law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, forestry conservation, and transportation, encompassing agencies ranging from the large, medium to small across urban, suburban, and rural areas, with full time and volunteer agencies represented.