O'Rielly Eyes 12 GHz, 7 GHz in Search of More Commercial Spectrum

Thursday webinar by the New York State and New Jersey wireless associations. O’Rielly is talking to manufacturers, providers, academia and others about those two and other bands, he said: “There are also a couple other bands being privately discussed but are not necessarily ready for prime exposure just yet, or maybe they never will be.” He would welcome suggestions about “any magical bands previously not discussed.” Spectrum between 3.1 and 3.55 GHz is at the top of O’Rielly’s list of next bands, he said. “I know the upper 100 [MHz] can be repurposed without much heartburn, and we can work through the second 100 the same way,” he said. The “bulk” of the remaining 250 MHz in the lower part of the band must be shared, he said. O’Rielly earlier this week said NTIA was too conservative in a report that highlighted only the top 100 MHz as a “good candidate” for sharing (see 2007070062). O’Rielly slammed New York and New Jersey state governments for diverting 911 fees for unrelated purposes (see 2004020064). “Your leaders are unwavering in their commitment to steal these vital fees. They can’t be swayed by underfunded call centers or outdated technology. They don’t seem to care they are no longer eligible for certain federal monies.” O’Rielly lashed into New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) for a Tuesday plan to redirect $87 million from the New York Police Department as part of $157 million to add internet options for underserved New Yorkers. About 22 million people in the U.S. “have nothing, and he wants someone to have a fourth or fifth ... broadband provider,” said O’Rielly. De Blasio's office didn’t comment.