MAY AUCTION ALARM RADIO SPECTRUM TO PAY FOR PUBLIC SAFETY NETWORK

THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW!

Several bills have been introduced in Congress, both in the House H.R. 607and Senate S. 28 and S. 455 which could result in the auctioning of our valuable spectrum to the highest bidder. In the case of the House, the bill calls for the auctioning of the 450 to 470 MHz spectrum within which frequencies we use to transmit alarm signals from homes and businesses to our central stations. In the case of Senate, S. 28 and S. 455, these bills call for the auctioning of spectrum which could finance either the public safety network or raise money for other purposes.

ACTION NEEDED NOW: It is time to react and react aggressively to let our Representatives and Senators know that our industry and the service we provide will be seriously harmed and our businesses are at risk if our frequencies are auctioned.
Radio has become an important and growing component on how we move data either from sensors to control equipment or from premises equipment to central stations. In this current world where mobile cellular and broadband are invading our lives, the appetite for radio spectrum has become insatiable to the point where there is a high probability that Congress will attempt to invade our most important frequencies.
At risk are frequencies in the business band, namely 450 to 470 MHz, and the frequencies we use for short range devices in the 300 to 350 MHz band (Part 15 devices) and perhaps even at about 900 MHz (additional Part 15 devices). These short range devices are used for on-premises communications such as sensors and PERS devices. A comprehensive list is being compiled and will be presented to Congress.

Below is a link to two letters, one for Senators and the other for Representatives. You, your colleagues and employees should send the appropriate one to your Representative and your Senators. Personalize these letters as you see fit, but keep the basic message the same. Then place them on your letterhead or stationary. Make sure that your office or home address (whichever places you in the targeted members district) is on the letter. Below is also a link to a list of Members on the House and Senate Commerce Committees with jurisdiction over telecommunications issues. The letter to the Representatives addresses H.R.607, while the Senate letter addresses broader spectrum issues.

 If there is a member of the House or Senate from your state who sits on the Committees of jurisdiction, it is imperative that you send them the appropriate letter.

BUT you should also send one to your Congressman and both Senators whether or not they sit on these Committees.

YOU WILL FIND LINKS TO SAMPLE LETTERS AND THE COMMITTEE LISTS AT:

If you do not know the names and addresses of your Representative and Senators, a search at www.house.gov and www.senate.gov respectively will yield their names and addresses.

Because of lengthy screening and security delays for the delivery of US mail to congressional offices, the AICC asks that letters supporting the AICC’s position on legislation be sent to CSAA at the address below so that we can hand deliver them to your senators and representatives.

Please send your SIGNED letter addressed to the appropriate member of Congress as follows:

By US Mail:

Monique C. Silverio

Director of Marketing and Communications

Central Station Alarm Association

8150 Leesburg Pike, Suite 700

Vienna, VA22182

By FAX to:

703-242-4675

By email to:

CSAA will collect the letters and deliver them to Congress.

Please contact Lou Fiore at if you have any questions.