Verizon Exec Repeats Spectrum Proposal

The general counsel for Verizon Wireless appeared at the National Press Club (Wash., DC) as part of a continuing public relations campaign to convince the FCC not to re-auction spectrum for a national, public safety wireless network. Instead, Steve Zipperstein said the FCC should directly assign frequencies to local or state agencies, who would then create their own local or regional networks, which could be tied together using IP technology. Zipperstein told reporters, “By establishing a national plan that follows these principles, and providing state and local government with federal funding to implement the plan, Congress puts the country in the best position to address its emergency communications need.” Zipperstein said his company’s plan has wide support from the public safety community, would cost $15 billion to $20 billion, and require Congressional approval. The FCC auctioned spectrum last year, but the so-called “D Block” 700 MHz allocated to public safety failed to attract the minimum bid. Read more about Zipperstein’s talk here.