Overview of state and local government interests in spectrum policy issues

Abstract

This paper examines some of the policy issues and concerns of local municipalities with respect to dynamic spectrum policy, the establishment of secondary markets for spectrum use and the organization of first responder communications. The paper discusses local and state methods (current and future) for achieving interoperability between first responders and how local policy approaches affect those methods. The paper also discusses the convergence of public safety radio with other forms of communications, including municipal broadband and Wi-Fi networks and points out specific policy collisions that should be addressed. Finally, this paper suggests ways that cognitive radios and secondary spectrum markets could be implemented to provide the most benefit to local governments while protecting their interests in localism and self determination