December 13, 2010, Alexandria, Va.: The Public Safety Alliance (PSA) reiterates the overwhelming and diverse national public safety organizational support for Congress and the Obama administration to pass legislation that would reallocate the D Block to public safety, while also providing sufficient funding to assist in the continued build-out of a nationwide, interoperable public safety broadband network.

“By their actions this week, it is clear to us that T-Mobile, Sprint Nextel and a narrow coalition of well financed business interests have made a conscious decision to oppose the professional judgment of an overwhelming majority of our nation’s first responders and state and local government officials,” stated APCO President William Carrow.  He continued, “[and] we are more determined than ever to expose this disingenuous marketing effort.”

The strong reaction by the Public Safety Alliance partners stems from the 4G Coalition’s announced plans to hold a press event later today at the National Press Club, headlined by a host of former dignitaries who do not represent public safety or state and local government response interests on this issue. While the PSA respects opposing views and those who hold them, its members vigorously object to the blatant misrepresentation that “Connect Public Safety Now” in any way is crafted for the benefit of public safety, or the public it serves.

“2010 ends with public safety in a much better position to realize its goal of obtaining 21st century interoperable broadband technology for mission critical communications throughout America.  We have secured commitments for reintroduction of legislation in both the House and Senate to allocate critical spectrum for public safety and provide equally critical funding to help build the nationwide network,” proclaimed Chris Moore, representative of the Major Cities Chiefs Association, “we are more confident than ever that Congress, the Obama administration and the FCC will make the right decision and support our efforts.”

About Public Safety Alliance
The Public Safety Alliance is a partnership with the nation’s leading public safety associations, which includes the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials International, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the National Sheriffs’ Association, the Major Cities Chiefs Association, the Major County Sheriffs’ Association, the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association, the National Emergency Management Association and the National Association of EMS Officials. The partnership is operated as a program of APCO International.  For more information, visit www.psafirst.org.