AFC New Release - First 700 MHz RPC Application Filed with The FCC
	On March 2, 2006 APCO International's frequency coordination subsidiary, AFC, Inc. processed and filed the first 700 MHz RPC (Regional Planning Committee) application with the FCC from the City of Independence, Missouri. This is a milestone for public safety. The 24 MHz bandwidth block of 700 MHz spectrum was allocated to public safety by the FCC under the transition to Digital TV (DTV) from what has been UHF TV channels 63, 64, 68, and 69. Many areas of the country are still unable to utilize the 700 MHz block of spectrum due to blockage by existing TV stations not yet transitioned to their digital assignments.  In Independence's case, the spectrum is clear of incumbent TV stations.  The Independence system is a 6 site,  4 channel trunked radio system. The 700 MHz spectrum allocation for public safety is divided into two major blocks.  The RPC or Regional Plan block of spectrum requires the approval of a Regional Planning Committee.  Regional Planning Committees must develop a plan and allocation procedure which addresses all potential public safety users in their respective region.  To date three regions (Southern California - Region 5, Missouri - Region 24, and New England - Region 19) have submitted and had their plans approved by the FCC.  The other major block of channels in the 700 MHz public safety allocation is reserved for "state" development and is under the management of each state's area license and intended to be part of any large area system development in any given state. The regions of the country where public safety has greatest need for additional spectrum such as the 700 MHz band happen to be in the major metropolitan areas where there are incumbent TV stations still located on channels 63, 64, 68, or 69.  Those areas may have to wait for one or multiple stations to transition to other bands before they can benefit from this new spectrum allocation. "The Budget Reduction Act (S. 1932)" was approved by both Houses of Congress on February 1,  Title III, Section 3002 of "The Budget Reduction Act" establishes February 17, 2009 as a hard transition date for the remaining incumbent TV stations.  President Bush has subsequently signed the bill. With the establishment of a hard date, these other areas may now begin dedicated planning for their future systems. APCO has been proactive in supporting this allocation to public safety as well as the establishment of a hard transition date.   Ron Haraseth, Director AFC, Inc. A subsidiary of APCO International, Inc. 351 N Williamson Blvd Daytona Beach, FL 32114 386-322-2500 386-322-2502 fax 386-235-3528 cell harasethr@apco911.org www.apcoafc.org <http://www.apcoafc.org/>