Congress set a date of December 31, 2006 when television stations must vacate their analog broadcast channels as part of the transition to digital television (DTV), including channels 60-69 (the 700MHz band). But Congress left a loophole in the law which in effect fails to set a firm date when TV stations must vacate this spectrum. A small number of television stations in that spectrum currently prevent public safety access in most of the major metropolitan areas. Consequently, this valuable spectrum for fire, EMS and law enforcement is not available even though it is urgently needed, according to the IAFC.
IAFC Call to Action on Spectrum Clearing
Loophole in law blocks future public safety spectrum
The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) is requesting that each IAFC member write his/her senators and representatives concerning legislation requiring television stations to vacate certain radio spectrum.
Congress set a date of December 31, 2006 when television stations must vacate their analog broadcast channels as part of the transition to digital television (DTV), including channels 60-69 (the 700MHz band). But Congress left a loophole in the law which in effect fails to set a firm date when TV stations must vacate this spectrum. A small number of television stations in that spectrum currently prevent public safety access in most of the major metropolitan areas. Consequently, this valuable spectrum for fire, EMS and law enforcement is not available even though it is urgently needed, according to the IAFC.
To resolve this situation, Congress must enact legislation that mandates a certain date, without exception, by which television stations will be required to vacate their broadcast channels and make them available to public safety agencies.
Congress set a date of December 31, 2006 when television stations must vacate their analog broadcast channels as part of the transition to digital television (DTV), including channels 60-69 (the 700MHz band). But Congress left a loophole in the law which in effect fails to set a firm date when TV stations must vacate this spectrum. A small number of television stations in that spectrum currently prevent public safety access in most of the major metropolitan areas. Consequently, this valuable spectrum for fire, EMS and law enforcement is not available even though it is urgently needed, according to the IAFC.
