During a keynote at the National Press Club, former FEMA Director and CEO of Witt Associates James Lee Witt joined a broad-based group of stakeholders calling for a public auction of valuable 700 MHz spectrum as the most efficient and effective way to ensure construction of a nationwide, interoperable broadband network for our nation’s first responders.

Witt was joined by a panel of experts from industry, public safety and public interest spectrum groups including Dennis Roberson, former CTO of Motorola; John Kneuer, former Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information at NTIA; Joe Hanna, former President of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials International (APCO); Harold Feld, Legal Director of Public Knowledge; and Steven Berry, President and CEO of the Rural Cellular Association (RCA).

The event was sponsored by Connect Public Safety Now, a broad-based coalition of wireless broadband providers, rural communications groups, public interest organizations and think tanks, advocating for a public auction of the D Block as articulated in the FCC’s National Broadband Plan. Two leading organizations representing first responders, the Fraternal Order of Police and the International Association of Fire Fighters, have also expressed public support for an auction of the D Block.

The Daily

Subscribe
Friday–June 5

Cut a Wire, Face the Consequences

It’s clear there’s a growing problem with network vandalism—but this week’s cross-industry summit also showed that law enforcement is taking the crime seriously. D.A.s, police officers, sheriffs and others weighed in during the day-long conference on how industry and law enforcement can work together to make sure justice is served.

Read the Full Issue
The Skinny is delivered on Tuesday and focuses on the cable profession. You'll stay in the know on the headlines, topics and special issues you value most. Sign Up

Calendar

Jul 10
2026 Top Ops Awards Top Ops Awards Entry Deadline
Nov 3
2026 Most Powerful Women Awards2026 Most Powerful Women Awards
Full Calendar

Jobs

Seeking an INDUSTRY JOB or hiring for one?
VIEW JOBS

In conjunction with our sister brand, Cynopsis, we are offering hiring managers a deep pool of media-savvy, skilled candidates at a range of experience levels and sectors. The result will be an even more robust industry job board, to help both employers and job seekers.

Contact us at marketing@cynopsis.com, for more information about posting a job on the website and our Jobs newsletter, sent twice weekly to 85,000 media professionals.