Specifications include, but are not limited to: Review recent FCC actions related to the 4.9 GHz spectrum; Summarize current and anticipated use of the 4.9 spectrum by state DOTs. Information sources may include published reports, previous surveys of state DOTs, and the FCC Universal Licensing System; Through targeted outreach, collect information on concerns, priorities, interests, and information gaps related to current and future use of the 4.9 GHz spectrum from: Staff responsible for managing state DOT communications systems, including state DOTs that may have limited experience in using the 4.9 GHz spectrum; State Statewide Interoperability Coordinators (SWICs); Current users (e.g., law enforcement, state emergency managers); Potential new users (either as license holders or through shared use agreements); and Other partners and stakeholders in the current and future governance and use of the spectrum. Develop at least four plausible scenarios for licensing and allocation of the 4.9 GHz spectrum. Scenarios should include conditions that will accommodate, constrain, and/or severely reduce state DOT use of the spectrum. Potential scenarios include: Designation of a statewide band manager with all or most of the spectrum reserved for public safety use under a new licensing program; Designation of a statewide band manager with an auction of part of the spectrum; Establishment of a national band manager with all or most of the spectrum reserved for public safety use under a new licensing program; and Establishment of a national band manager and an auction of licenses for most of the spectrum. Refine the scenarios based on the NCHRP review; Identify key characteristics that affect state DOT actions and opportunities under each scenario, including: Existing governance of public safety shared or interoperable communications (e.g., formal/informal agreements or statutes); Level of expected competition for the 4.9 GHz spectrum (licensed, unlicensed, broadband, 5G); Potential for interference and how interference could be mitigated; Current and planned use of the spectrum; Extent of feasible alternatives for state DOTs (e.g., optical fiber, cellular); Anticipated cost implications for licensing, leasing, and equipment; and State DOT experience and capacity in spectrum management. Evaluate the potential impacts on state DOTs for each scenario; For each scenario, develop strategies and guidelines for advancing current and anticipated state DOT communications needs that address: Implications of the licensing program and the designation of the band manager; Communicating state DOT needs and priorities to a licensing entity; Partnering with other state agencies for shared use, licensing, and other issues; The degree of competition within the spectrum; Ensuring interoperability between states and between states and regional jurisdictions; Managing interference and unlicensed users; The potential for channel plans to avoid interference between shared spectrum and co-located spectrum users; Feasible alternatives to the 4.9 GHz spectrum (e.g., other licensed and unlicensed shared spectrum, commercial carrier offerings, leasing other radio spectrum); Cost implications for the state DOT;
