APCO took part in international 5G standards meetings held by 3GPP in Prague, Czech Republic to develop technical specifications for the 4.9 GHz spectrum band, an important step towards bringing 5G services to the public safety community in the U.S.
APCO Urges Technical Flexibility in the 4.9 GHz Band to Support 5G Deployments
APCO urged the FCC to amend its technical rules governing the 4.9 GHz band to support the deployment of advanced technologies, such as 5G
APCO Reply Comments on Amending 4.9 GHz Band Technical Rules
APCO Hosts a Public Safety Communications Event With PSBTA
On March 18-19, APCO International hosted a special event with the Public Safety Broadband Technology Association (PSBTA) in Washington, DC that focused on public safety’s use of 4.9 GHz and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Attendees gathered to discuss innovations and evolutions in public safety communications technologies, and they heard from speakers in the public safety communications industry from the emergency communications centers (ECCs) themselves to industry partners.
Petition for Rulemaking: 4.9 GHz
APCO Suggests Rule Changes to Support Innovative Technologies in the 4.9 GHz Band
On February 4, 2025, APCO filed a Petition for Rulemaking with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that requests changes to the technical rules for the 4.9 GHz band to enable advanced technologies such as 5G to operate in the band.
FCC Announces Deadline for 4.9 GHz Licensees to Update Licensing Data
On December 9, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a Public Notice announcing that all 4.9 GHz public safety licensees must update their granular licensing data in the Universal Licensing System (ULS) by June 9, 2025.
APCO Applauds FCC Action Securing the 4.9 GHz Band for Public Safety
The 4.9 GHz spectrum band is used by the public safety community for broadband communications. APCO has long played an active role in proceedings at the Federal Communications Commission about the future of this band, strongly advocating for the interests of public safety. We believe that public safety users should have primary, interference-free access to the band, and that public safety use should be optimized in a manner that promotes innovation, helps modernize public safety communications and enables 5G services., the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted a long-anticipated Report and Order concerning licensing and use of the 4.9 GHz band.
APCO’s Advocacy Priorities for 2024
Today, February 16, is the 56th anniversary of the first 9-1-1 call. Much has changed in the past 56 years, particularly with regard to training, technology, and the nature of the work performed by 9-1-1 professionals. What has remained constant is the dedication, professionalism, and perseverance of the 9-1-1 community and APCO’s commitment to ensuring 9-1-1 professionals have the tools and resources they need. APCO’s legislative and regulatory priorities reflect this devotion to its members and are aimed at advancing the industry and empowering 9-1-1 to save more lives.
Legislative and Regulatory Issues Impacting APCO Members
APCO’s Government Relations team provided an overview of some of APCO’s top advocacy priorities. The presentation featured updates on the progress of important legislative issues, such as securing federal funding for Next Generation 9-1-1, establishing health and wellness resources for 9-1-1 professionals, and APCO’s efforts to reclassify public safety telecommunicators at the federal level.
