WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today commended the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for beginning the rulemaking to implement voluntary incentive auctions authorized by his public safety spectrum legislation. This step will allow public comment on the design of the auctions that will fund the nationwide, interoperable wireless broadband network for first responders.

“Today’s action by the FCC moves us yet another step closer to creating a truly nationwide, interoperable public safety broadband network for our first responders,” said Rockefeller.  “When we authorized voluntary incentive auctions to fund the public safety network earlier this year, Congress recognized the dual benefit of promoting innovative spectrum policy and providing funding for next-generation public safety communications.  I know that developing the rules for the incentive auctions will be a complex process, but I am optimistic that broadcasters, wireless companies, and others will work cooperatively with the FCC to make sure these auctions are successful.”

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