On March 31, APCO submitted a filing with the Federal Communications Commission in response to a request from the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) to waive certain rules governing the 4.9 GHz band. BART asked the Commission to lift the current 4.9 GHz filing freeze and to allow it to retain its geographic license to expand its operations. APCO recognized BART’s efforts to support public safety through its operations, but noted that the request, as proposed, would conflict with the Commission’s ongoing transition to a nationwide, coordinated framework for the 4.9 GHz band. APCO encouraged the Commission to defer action until a 4.9 GHz Band Manager is in place or otherwise consider more targeted relief that would support BART’s deployment plans while aligning with the Commission’s efforts to improve coordination and efficient use of the 4.9 GHz band.
