Spectrum allocation debate fades after terror attacks

Spectrum allocation debate fades after terror attacks
WASHINGTON — The debate over whether to move the U.S. military off spectrum allocated for third-generation (3G) wireless services has likely been overtaken by national security concerns arising from the Sept. 11 terrorist strikes.

Even before the deadly attacks in New York and on the Pentagon, the military was digging in its heels on the proposed transfer to the wireless industry of the 1,755-to-1,850-MHz band used by the Department of Defense.

"The chances before [the attacks] were long," a congressional source said. "Now they are even longer."

The military uses the frequencies for satellite control, battlefield radio relay, precision weapon guidance and to relay global-positioning signals used by troops in the field.

The International Telecommunication Union designated the frequencies for use by 3G wireless carriers. Proponents of moving the Pentagon off the frequencies and compensating them for the move argued that the issue comes down to sound spectrum management policy. "I hope this doesn't get lost in the national security debate," said Brian Fontes, vice president for federal relations for Cingular Wireless.

Last week's terror attacks showed that "we are all dependent on wireless communications," said Fontes, citing cell phone calls from several hijacked aircraft and from the rubble of the World Trade Center.

Despite wireless industry efforts to keep the spectrum debate going, observers said Congress is overwhelmed by national security and budget issues in the aftermath of the attacks. "I don't see [the spectrum issue] in the picture any time soon," the congressional source said.