Why can’t Public Safety use their 4.9 GHz band to support broadband services?
The higher frequency range of a 4.9 GHz network translates to shorter propagation of the signal. Therefore while it is not well-suited for a wide-area implementation; it works best for local area “hot spots” such as the 5 GHz “hot spot” networks in many Starbucks. Characteristically, any given area would have decidedly less than 50% coverage by a “hot spot.” Using a 4.9 GHz “hot spot” for an incident presents three problems. First, a 4.9 GHz network would have to be deployed at the scene for the large majority of incidents. The initial minutes of a public safety emergency response are critical and precious time would be lost. Second, 4.9 GHz is not only characterized by short propagation, but also poor in-building penetration. Consider a HazMat incident where a well-protected First Responder suited with sensors, a video camera, etc. enters a highly contaminated building (e.g. a clandestine lab). He must be able to communicate with commanders and various experts that are outside the bui
