T-Band Operators Say FCC Auction Unlikely to Cover Relocation Costs
Moving T-band incumbents to other bands could cost $5.9 billion or more, more than an auction of the frequencies would raise, Los Angeles County told the FCC. Like other commenters in docket 13-42, LA hopes Congress rescinds a requirement the…
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systems move. In the Los Angeles area, the projected cost of relocation is $857.3 million, and that's “merely a conservative estimate based upon a number of assumptions which can vary significantly depending upon the spectrum chosen,” the county said. The New York Police Department estimates at least $1.5 billion to move its operations. “The lack of an identified spectrum band that public safety T-Band licensees will migrate to, creates uncertainty which increases the projected migration time and cost,” the department said. “A public safety T Band licensee may consider purchasing multiband radios to mitigate this risk. However, doing so increases costs. If the spectrum band chosen is significantly higher than T- Band more sites will be required to achieve the same coverage, particularly in-building.” The destination bands for relocated licensees haven't been determined, APCO said: “Without knowing whether spectrum is available, it’s impossible to know for sure what the ultimate relocation costs will be. ... Even if the relocation costs are fully covered, public safety agencies will still endure the distraction of changing equipment and troubleshooting new systems during an ongoing public health crisis that is straining operations and budgets.” Comments were due Monday.