Verizon is firmly opposed to the proposal by the Public Safety Spectrum Alliance (PSSA) to assign the 4.9 GHz band to the FirstNet Authority, which is operated by AT&T. This opposition comes despite the PSSA’s argument that centralizing control under FirstNet would enhance public safety communication. Verizon’s CEO Hans Vestberg recently met with FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel to express concerns over this potential $14 billion spectrum allocation.
The FCC has been deliberating on the best management approach for the 4.9 GHz spectrum band. While the PSSA believes that the FirstNet Authority’s centralized control will provide enhanced safety, others, such as the Coalition for Emergency Response and Critical Infrastructure (CERCI), advocate for maintaining local control. Verizon, a constituent of CERCI, asserts that the PSSA’s proposal would unfairly benefit AT&T and disrupt the competitive balance in public safety and commercial wireless use.
In its response, AT&T dismissed the idea of a “spectrum windfall,” referring to their detailed 15-page filing to the FCC that contends such claims are unfounded. According to AT&T, the proposal wouldn’t grant them 50 more MHz of mid-band spectrum for commercial use. Instead, it emphasizes their role in supporting and maintaining the national public safety network.
Vestberg, in his argument, highlighted that providing AT&T access to additional mid-band spectrum would afford a notable commercial advantage, especially as the FCC and policymakers work to develop more mid-band spectrum resources.
The FirstNet Authority has a contract with AT&T that permits excess network capacity to be utilized commercially. Nonetheless, Verizon’s representatives argue that this agreement essentially provides AT&T with an undue market advantage.
Additionally, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Office of Inspector General has challenged AT&T’s performance with FirstNet. Auditors have questioned whether AT&T and the FirstNet Authority have adequately met device connection targets and acted in accordance with the contract terms. Such reports have further complicated the debate surrounding AT&T’s control over the 4.9 GHz band.
Both CERCI/Verizon and PSSA/AT&T claim they have broad support within the public safety community. Numerous organizations such as the National Sheriffs’ Association, major transportation agencies, and cities like Boston, oppose transferring control of the 4.9 GHz band to FirstNet. Conversely, the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the Fraternal Order of Police support the PSSA’s proposal.
