Energy & Technology Hearing

On January 24, 2012, Bradley Stoddard, Director of the Office of Michigan’s Public Safety Communications System (MPSCS), testified before the Michigan House of Representatives’ Energy and Technology Committee, addressing, among other things, the potential use of the MPSCS statewide safety tower network to expand broadband services into rural areas in Michigan. Michigan’s network is the largest trunked communications system in North America and the second largest worldwide, but at present its usage is generally devoted to public safety communications. Mr. Stoddard explained the current procedures for applying for space on the MPSCS towers, and urged House members to take legislative action that would open up more space for broadband and other users, while preserving the public safety function that the network has provided since its inception.

Those seeking space on the towers must meet two tests, one relating to structure and the other to frequency. To meet the first test, a structural analysis is done to be sure that the applicant’s equipment would not cause the tower to become unstable (so as to collapse during a wind storm, for example). The second test assesses “intermodulation,” to insure that adding a new frequency will not impact others already present on the tower.

Currently, use of the safety towers by private, commercial users is tightly restricted under both Michigan law and the terms of the MPSCS financing documents. For example, the MPSCS’s bonds limit the availability of non-public space on the towers to only 3%. While there is no bill currently pending, it is expected that legislation expanding allowable use of the towers beyond use for publicsafety purposes will soon be introduced. Additionally, the MPSCS may seek refinancing of its $86 million outstanding debt at the cost of $2 million, to allow for greater flexibility in extending tower space to non-public users, including broadband providers. Structural and frequency studies will continue to be required in order to obtain space on the towers, after any expanded availability.

Mr. Stoddard provided the following contact information for those who would like to communicate with him directly:

A copy of Mr. Stoddard’s power point presentation to the Committee is attached. For further information on MPSCS policies and procedures, please visit: http://www.michigan.gov/mpscs/0,4640,7-184-42060—,00.html.