Public Knowledge Applauds FCC Notice On Public Safety Wireless Cutoff
Public Knowledge Applauds FCC Notice On Public Safety Wireless Cutoff
Public Knowledge Applauds FCC Notice On Public Safety Wireless Cutoff

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    The following
    is attributed to Harold Feld, legal director for Public Knowledge:

    “The Federal Communications Commission yesterday asked
    for public comment to determine the proper policy when government authorities
    intentionally disrupt wireless service. 
    The notice came about as a result of the actions on August 11, 2011 when
    the San Francisco-area Bay Area Rapid Transit System (BART) cut off wireless
    service, claiming a threat to public safety.

    “We are pleased that the Commission is looking into
    this very important issue.  On August 29,
    2011, Public Knowledge, along with Broadband Institute of
    California, Center for Democracy and Technology, Center for Media Justice,
    Electronic Frontier Foundation, Media Access Project, Minority Media and
    Telecommunications Council, and National Hispanic Media Coalition, asked the
    Commission to rule whether the action by BART authorities was legal under the
    Communications Act.

     “We agree with FCC Chairman
    Genachowski that any such a cutoff  ‘raises
    serious
    legal and policy issues, and must meet a very high bar.’  The same wireless network that police
    see as a tool for rioters to coordinate is the same wireless network used by
    peaceful protesters to exercise our fundamental freedoms.  More than that, in any event, the network will be
    necessary for people in the area to call for help or to let family members know
    they are not harmed. 

    “We look forward to participating in the FCC
    proceeding.”

    The FCC notice is here:  http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-12-311A1.pdf.

    A copy of the emergency petition is here:  http://www.publicknowledge.org/emergency-petition-declaratory-ruling-re-bart