The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has made a landmark decision that will significantly enhance public safety communications across the United States. In a unanimous 4-0 vote, the FCC has adopted new rules that open up the underutilized 4.9 GHz spectrum band for use by the FirstNet Authority, supporting the continued deployment of 5G technology on the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (FirstNet).

This decision is a major win for public safety agencies, enabling them to access crucial spectrum for advanced communications systems that will improve response times, enhance coordination, and ensure reliable, secure communication in emergency situations. The ruling also ensures the protection of incumbent operations while establishing a transparent process for selecting a band manager to oversee the spectrum’s use.

Public safety officials and industry leaders are praising the decision, highlighting its potential to transform emergency communications across the country.

What Public Safety Leaders Are Saying:

Fraternal Order of Police (FOP)
“The FOP campaigned hard to beat back the efforts of for-profit companies and organizations like the Coalition for Emergency Response and Critical Infrastructure (CERCI) to use the false banner of ‘local control’ to encroach upon public safety’s 4.9 GHz spectrum for their own commercial purposes. Today is a victory for public safety over private profit.” —Patrick Yoes, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police

APCO International
“Today’s action is a major win for public safety. Public safety agencies will at long last have the assurance of interference-free operations and the availability of advanced communications technologies to carry out their lifesaving missions. Furthermore, APCO is confident that FirstNet will build upon its record of success serving the public safety community with a state-of-the-art wireless broadband network now augmented by access to the 4.9 GHz band.

This will undoubtedly result in significant benefits to public safety agencies and the communities they serve throughout the country. We thank Chairwoman Rosenworcel; Commissioners Carr, Starks, and Simington; as well as the professional staff at the FCC, for their work in developing a solid path forward.” —Mel Maier, CEO and executive director of APCO International

International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)
“The IAFC is pleased that the FCC has taken action to determine the management of the 4.9 GHz band. This move was essential for the federal FirstNet Authority to be able to provide groundbreaking capabilities to local public safety agencies.” —Josh Waldo, President of International Association of Fire Chiefs

Public Safety Spectrum Alliance (PSSA)
“The PSSA and the thousands of first responders who have supported the process are grateful to the commissioners for listening to our collective voice allowing the band to be used by FirstNet.” —Sue Swenson, PSSA member and former FirstNet Authority Chairwoman

National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE)
“NOBLE applauds the FCC Decision concerning the management of the 4.9 GHz band. The FCC authorized the use of the 4.9 GHz spectrum within the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (NPSBN).” —NOBLE National Headquarters Statement

Public Safety Broadband Technology Association (PSBTA)
“Public safety has always known that spectrum is the single largest commonality within public safety nationwide. Spectrum is more important than funding. Spectrum is the fuel that drives the networks.” —Chief Chuck Dowd, NYPD (Ret.)