IAFC touts public safety communications sustainment

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) is extending gratitude to lawmakers for efforts to sustain the T-Band spectrum via the Don’t Break Up the T-Band Act.

Officials maintain the band is critical to public safety interoperable radio communications in major metropolitan areas and surrounding regions nationwide – adding failure to pass the measure would have empowered the Federal Communications Commission to begin auctioning off T-Band spectrum in February.

Per the IAFC, the auctions would have irreparably damaged public safety communications in several metropolitan areas, resulting in first responders re-working communications infrastructure and being left without an alternative spectrum from which to migrate.

On Dec. 21, Congress passed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act to fund the federal government until Sept. 30, 2021. The bill included legislation providing COVID-19 relief containing provisions aiding fire and emergency service.

“By preserving first responder communications across the country, the Don’t Break Up the T-Band Act saves taxpayers billions and ensures the continued well-being of millions of Americans,” Chief Richard R. Carrizzo, president and Chairman of the Board of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, said. “The IAFC strongly applauds the passage of this crucial legislation.”

The Don’t Break Up the T-Band Act was introduced in the House by Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY) and the Senate via Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA).