As time for the press conference drew near, the buzz around all of this activity was giving those attending a sense that perhaps Public Safety, with the help of Congress, could really reach its goal of acquiring the D Block and funding for network build-outs.
Those preparing to float this Public Notice don’t seem to understand several facts. First, broadband service for images, video, data, and other applications is desperately needed by the public safety community. HOWEVER, broadband services CANNOT replace all of the various requirements for voice systems
This type of voice communications is not now available using cellular and wireless broadband networks, nor will it be well into the future. The devices we use to communicate over commercial voice and broadband networks are 100% reliant on being within range of a cell site.
It is clear that those involved in preparing the FCC white paper on capacity tried to make the results fit the recommendations they already included in their National Broadband Report to Congress.