WASHINGTON-With Verizon Wireless Inc.’s abrupt decision to withdraw its request for a waiver to provide priority access service to local, state and federal personnel during emergencies, VoiceStream Wireless Corp. has gained an inside track on a $20 million government contract.
Last week, the wireless industry registered its support for a waiver request filed with the Federal Communications Commission by VoiceStream to offer priority access within 60 days to Washington, D.C., New York and Salt Lake City. If approved by the FCC, VoiceStream likely will win the first of several contracts the government will let on wireless priority access.
The National Communications System, a White House-level organization comprised of top officials from 22 federal agencies, also backs the VoiceStream waiver request.
The FCC issued wireless priority access rules in July 2000, five years after guidelines were requested by NCS. The capability has taken on greater importance after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. NCS is currently working with various mobile-phone operators-which use different technologies-on how priority access service can be ultimately deployed throughout the country during the next few years.
VoiceStream protested when it appeared the government was set to sign a contract for immediate PAS with Verizon Wireless, arguing it had a superior technology solution and questioning the government procurement process.
Verizon, which now says it will increase network capacity during emergencies with cell sites on wheels, declined to comment on its strategy shift. The Verizon Wireless action was preceded by media reports that warned consumers that cell-phone calls could be blocked during emergencies as a result of priority access.
“While we are disappointed that Verizon Wireless has withdrawn its agreement to develop an immediate wireless priority access solution, we are continuing to move toward full FCC-complaint priority access,” said Brenton Greene, deputy manager of NCS.
