EWA Supports Proposal for 4.9 GHz – with FCC Oversight

January 14, 2021

The Enterprise Wireless Alliance (EWA) filed comments in response to a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that proposes to promote more intensive use of the 4.9 GHz band while creating possibilities that do not exist today for EWA members and others in need of mid-band broadband spectrum.  EWA also stated in its comments that it would be a good idea for the FCC to conduct a certain amount of oversight to ensure that this spectrum is managed fairly and effectively by the states who have received spectrum management authority for this critical band within their jurisdictions. EWA also noted that the states should embrace the opportunity to derive revenue by leasing this valuable asset to a wide variety of entities, some of which may be mission critical public safety users, but also to businesses that otherwise contribute significantly to state economies.   

EWA President Mark Crosby made the following statement on the filing:

“EWA agrees with the Commission that the potential of the 4.9 GHz band has not been realized.  EWA supports the State Band Management plan adopted in the R&O with the understanding that the FCC monitor leasing activity to ensure that the spectrum is being utilized in support of the public interest. And of course, permitting non-public safety users to access the band on a secondary basis is not sharing by any stretch of the imagination.”  

About EWA

The Enterprise Wireless Alliance is the leading national trade association and advocate for business enterprises, private carrier operators, equipment manufacturers, and service providers that support the private wireless industry. A frequency advisory committee certified by the Federal Communications Commission, EWA provides its members and clients with consulting services, frequency coordination, license preparation, spectrum management and associated business intelligence services. EWA is the market leader in Business/Industrial Land Transportation frequency coordination services and assists a significant percentage of public safety customers with their spectrum requirements. Learn more at www.enterprisewireless.org.