Alexandria, VA – Today the Federal Communications Commission adopted an order staying – or suspending – provisions of its rules for the 4.9 GHz spectrum band that would permit licensing of the spectrum for commercial purposes. This action is responsive to requests from the public safety community and warnings that the recent changes to the 4.9 GHz rules would cause problems for emergency communications.

In September 2020, a majority of the FCC – over the objections of then-Commissioner Rosenworcel and Commissioner Starks – approved an order that opened the door to stripping the 4.9 GHz spectrum from public safety. The majority took this action despite significant opposition expressed by multiple major public safety associations including APCO. Previously, public safety agencies had exclusive, priority access to the 4.9 GHz band. The rules adopted in September removed these protections and allowed states to lease access to the spectrum to commercial users. APCO joined with eleven other public safety associations on a press release strongly criticizing this change.

“The Commission’s action comes as a relief,” APCO Executive Director and CEO Derek K. Poarch said. “APCO thanks Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel, Commissioner Starks, and Commissioner Simington for listening to public safety and taking this important step to chart a better course for the spectrum.”

APCO International® (www.apcointl.org)
APCO International is the world’s oldest and largest organization of public safety communications professionals and supports the largest U.S. membership base of any public safety association. It serves the needs of public safety communications practitioners worldwide – and the welfare of the general public as a whole – by providing complete expertise, professional development, technical assistance, advocacy and outreach.