Attending IWCE is always productive for the Enterprise Wireless Alliance as it provides us with a great opportunity to mingle with members and industry friends at our booth and educational sessions in which EWA representatives participate. Staff joined industry leaders at sessions addressing the proposal to create a 900 MHz broadband opportunity for business enterprises, the repurposing of the T-Band and frequency coordination developments. I also attended a TETRA Forum. 

We appreciate IWCE’s invitations to participate actively in these sessions. Of particular interest, during the T-Band session, it was noteworthy to hear public safety officials flat out stating that relocating public safety and Business/Industrial incumbents out of this critical band will be a “mess,” even if it is doable, which is in serious doubt. There may be inadequate relocation funding generated from auction proceeds. In certain markets, there is insufficient comparable spectrum to accommodate an incumbent migration from T-Band, and the promise of FirstNet being the ultimate solution for public safety may not be realized until well past 2023, the year in which public safety is to be completely vanquished from the 470-512 MHz band. 

Of course, as time progresses without the benefit of potential FCC implementation plans that will take the form of a PSHSB-issued Notice of Proposed Rule Making, licensees grow more concerned or, worse, confused as to optimum next steps which may result in risky wireless system enhancement investment decisions. At one point in the session, I noted that EWA is receiving multiple inquiries from public safety entities asking whether they should migrate to an alternative band now (which, normally would be the public safety 700 MHz narrowband allocation) or wait until the T-Band rules are in place. It can be a complicated answer based on the longevity and effectiveness of the current radio system, but we know that relocations to alternative bands will be entirely on the licensee’s nickel if made now, and paid for completely by others after the rules are in place, and once the T-Band auction concludes. That’s all anyone knows that may have some value. 

Editor’s note:  To keep up to date on the T-Band repurposing matter, attend EWA’s bi-weekly regulatory calls. These calls provide EWA’s perspective on legislative and regulatory changes that could affect your business and communication system investments; however, only members may attend. To learn more about how to join the call or membership, please email membership@enterprisewireless.org or call 800-482-8282