(Washington, DC) The Spectrum Coalition for Public Safety today announced its strong support for legislation put forward by US Senators John McCain and Joseph Lieberman, the SAVE LIVES Act of 2005 which in part would provide organizations a date certain to begin using spectrum for public safety purposes.

 

"The SAVE LIVES Act of 2005 meets critical spectrum needs for public safety organizations across the country," said Robert LeGrande of the Spectrum Coalition for Public Safety. "The September 11 Commission included in its recommendations the immediate need for additional spectrum for public safety and this legislation will help meet those needs."

 

First, the SAVE LIVES Act of 2005 provides a date certain for public safety organizations to use the 24 MHz of spectrum currently held by analog television. "By providing a date certain for public safety organizations, the SAVE LIVES Act will allow public safety organizations to immediately plan interoperable communications systems and provides funding sources to accelerate the deployment of tools that are vital in the event of an emergency," added LeGrande.

 

The legislation also allows Congress an opportunity to look into further spectrum needs for public safety by delaying the auction of critical spectrum until public safety considerations are met. "By delaying the auctioning of recovered spectrum public safety will have an opportunity for a full evaluation of their needs. This is a critical step in the creation of national, interoperable, broadband wireless public safety networks," added LeGrande.