New York Recoils at FCC Ban in 4.9 GHz Order
The FCC blocking state 911 fee diverters from 4.9 GHz spectrum is “just another example of Washington using the levers of government to punish New York,” one of five states implicated by a major addition to the agency's initial draft…
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order (see 2010050038), a New York State Budget Division spokesperson emailed Monday. “This valuable spectrum is currently in use by public safety entities in New York State.” New York uses 911 fee revenue “to upgrade public safety communication systems and support emergency services operations, statewide, including through the provision of interoperable communications grants,” the spokesperson said. “These programs are providing critical funding to help first responders at all levels of government communicate faster and respond sooner.” By diverting 40% of 911 fee revenue to the general fund, New York "is perpetrating fraud ... and compromising public safety," an FCC spokesperson emailed Tuesday. "This is unacceptable, and it needs to stop."