Comparable spectrum and compensation needed before military can be displaced

Debate south of the border over the introduction of third-generation wireless networks continues with the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association and the wireless industry waging a war of words with U.S. military interests. The latest volley comes from the top brass at the U.S. military seeking support in the U.S. Senate. The Department of Defense doesn't appear to be budging from its original stance that use of the 1700 MHz band for third-generation wireless networks and services will put the national security of the United States in jeopardy. The following is an edited excerpt of a letter sent by Henry Shelton, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, and Donald Rumsfeld, secretary of defense, to Senate majority leader Tom Daschle. Access to radio frequency spectrum is essential to our success in all future real-world operations. Lack of adequate spectrum will jeopardize our national security. Right now, our government is engaged in an effort to allocate the radio frequency spectrum necessary for third-generation (3G) wireless communications. This is a complex issue that requires consideration of many national security, economic, and technical factors. Of the several bands discussed at the recent World Radiocommunication Conference, U.S.-based wireless indsutry spokespersons have stated that the federal government band from 1755-1850 MHz is preferable for future 3G services. The Department of Defense is not the only government user of this band, but it is the largest. We depend on this band for, among other things: Satellite telemetry; Tracking and commanding critical satellite systems (including global positioning system, Milstar and the Defense Support Program); Precision guided munitions; Army, navy and marine corp tactical radio relay systems; Air combat training systems, targeting; Intelligence and; The real-time delivery of voice, video and data information to warfighters and their commanders. The department's study of the feasibility of accommodating 3G services in this band found that sharing is not practical, and that relinquishing some or all of the band cannot be completed prior to the next decade. Furthermore, moving to other bands would first require the allocation of comparable spectrum, then full compensation for the significant additional costs incurred by our government to accomplish the shift, and finally the requisite time to transition. Finally, we note that to be effectively comparable, regulatory status in the band and physical propagation characteristics of the band must be considered, among other things. Various proposals have been put forward for a "win-win" solution. We are open to such a solution provided that the DoD requirements are preserved. However, no solution is feasible unless and until comparable spectrum has been identified for the displaced DoD functions. Therefore, we ask that no decision be made to re-allocate the federal band, including a "policy decision" or "decision in principle", until truly comparable spectrum is identified and made available. We also think it is important that the protections provided in the 1999 and 2000 National Defense Authorizations Acts, regarding financial compensation and comparable spectrum for displaced DoD entities, be preserved. We will continue to work with the White House, Congress, the Department of Commerce, the Federal Communications Commission, and other parties interested in finding the best solution for the United Sates on the issue of 3G spectrum. We strongly urge your active support to safeguard our interests and to provide the Armed Forces the spectrum necessary to truly achieve a "win-win" solution. In conclusion, DoD must not be forced to relocate to other spectrum prematurely. Forced relocation will have serious consequences on our national security and increase risk to military personnel.

Comparable spectrum and compensation needed before military can be displaced

News | 09/04/2001 4:00 am EDT

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