Senate committee advances bill maintaining T-band spectrum for first-responder communications

The Senate Commerce Committee recently advanced legislation with a provision to preserve first responders’ access to T-band spectrum, which is used by police and firefighters for emergency public safety communication.

The provision, included in the 5G Spectrum Act, repeals a 2012 requirement that directs the Federal Communications Commission to auction off the T-band by 2021. The cost of relocating T-Band users to other spectrums would cost between $5 and $6 billion, according to the Government Accountability Office.

The agency also found that, for many T-Band users, the alternative bands are limited or nonexistent.

“From coast to coast, brave women and men use T-Band to communicate during emergencies to keep communities safe,” Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-MA), who introduced the provision, said. “We owe it to the public safety community to provide the infrastructure and tools they need to do their jobs. It is critical that Congress repeals the T-Band auction mandate before the end of this year.”

The bill is endorsed by numerous organizations, including the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, and the National Sheriff’s Association.

Companion legislation also has been introduced in the House of Representatives.