NPSTC and public safety agencies that rely on the T-Band spectrum have provided clear documentation that relocation out of the public safety T-Band spectrum as required under Section 6103 of Public Law (P.L.) 112-96 would significantly disrupt mission critical public safety voice communications in key major urban areas.  A significant number of industrial-business licensees interleaved in the T-Band spectrum would also suffer, even though they are not covered by Section 6103.

The loss of auction revenue has been cited in discussions as a potential roadblock to adopting legislation to repeal Section 6103 of P.L. 112-96.  However, the T-Band spectrum has been an essential element of the Federal Communications Commission's 2016–2017 Incentive Auction, and has already contributed significantly to the $19.8B in proceeds received by providing flexibility to the TV repacking process and reducing the number of TV stations that would otherwise have to be purchased outright.

This NPSTC educational paper examines the background of T-Band spectrum and potential outcomes if the auction of the T-Band spectrum occurs.

NPSTC Educational Paper