WASHINGTON-Defense contracting giant Northrop Grumman has asked the Federal Communications Commission for an additional 10 megahertz of public-safety spectrum for advanced broadband wireless use by first responders.
The frequencies being sought on an expedited basis by Northrop Grumman are in the 700 MHz band, which TV broadcasters currently occupy but must relinquish by the end of 2006 as part of the transition to digital technology. In 1997, Congress set aside 24 megahertz in the 700 MHz band for public-safety communications.
“Wireless technology will rapidly change over the next three to four years as the transition is made to public safety,” said Mike Grady, chief technology officer for Northrop Grumman IT. “The adaptation of software defined radios and the reallocation of spectrum will address interoperability as well as adaptation of broadband services.”
