FCC Releases NPRM to Implement Public Safety Broadband Network

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) requesting comments on certain technical and other rules that will govern the deployment of a nationwide public safety broadband network in the 700 MHz band.  The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 establishes the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) as an independent authority within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. In November 2012, the FCC granted FirstNet the license to use the existing public safety broadband spectrum and the adjacent D Block spectrum.