(Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Senator Dean Heller voted for the Public Safety Spectrum and Wireless Innovation Act (S. 911) in the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. This bill provides needed spectrum to develop a communications network for public safety officials.

“Access to a reliable and coordinated communication system could be a matter of life or death in many instances. For many years, Nevada law enforcement officials have spoken with me about the need for expanded spectrum access and coordinated communication capabilities among public safety agencies. This measure will provide the much needed resources necessary for law enforcement, first responders, and other public safety officials to communicate with one another during a crisis. It is my hope the Senate will bring this legislation up for consideration in the near future,” said Heller.

S. 911 allocates 10 MHz of D-Block spectrum to public safety, directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to develop interoperability standards and allow public safety officials to lease capacity on their network to other entities, including commercial operators. The bill also allows existing spectrum holders to voluntarily give their spectrum to the FCC in exchange for a portion of the proceeds it makes at auction. Funds from the auctions will help fund the construction and maintenance of the public safety network.

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