Congress Discusses Next Option For Failed Public Safety Network

A congressional panel told the FCC that it thinks it should re-auction a block of public airwaves, which failed to reach the minimum bid in the last auction, to the highest bidder and then use the proceeds to fund a nationwide emergency communications network, AP reported today. The idea was raised during a meeting of the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee on telecommunications and the Internet that talked about why a plan aimed at using public airwaves and private money to create a nationwide emergency communications network failed. Following disasters like Hurricane Katrina and Sept. 11, 2001, the FCC approved a plan to set aside the “D block” in the 700 MHz auction in March, which would require the winning bidder to build a public-safety network. But the block failed to attract a high enough bidder. This new suggestion — to use the proceeds of the auction to fund the network — also sounds like it has hurdles. FCC Chairman Kevin Martin said they’d need legislative approval. Plus, there’s no telling if the auction would raise enough money. Estimates vary between $6 and $7 billion.

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