Electric Utilities Oppose FirstNet Control of 4.9 GHz Band

Groups representing electric utilities on Friday opposed a controversial proposal giving the FirstNet Authority effective control of the 4.9 GHz band. The Edison Electric Institute, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and the Utilities Technology Council expressed “grave concern” about rumors the FCC is considering an order that would “cede local control of the 4.9 GHz band from public safety organizations” to the authority. Taking control from public safety users “could undermine their ability to tailor communications solutions to their specific needs,” the utilities said: It could “stifle the development of non-commercial applications in the band.” The filing said “fundamental questions have been raised about FirstNet's legal authority to operate outside the 700 MHz band, and its past performance with AT&T raises concerns about service prioritization for public safety.” The filing was made in docket 07-100. The FCC has not yet posted it. The FCC should also consider the communications needs of critical infrastructure entities, the groups said.