T-Band and 9-1-1 Fee Diversion Laws Included in 2021 Appropriations Act

We are happy to report that Section 902 of the “Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021,” which awaits the President’s signature, includes provisions that repeal the prior requirement that the T-Band be reallocated from public safety use and direct the FCC to take additional steps to combat 9-1-1 fee diversion. After years of intense effort on the part of APCO and other public safety groups, public safety agencies will continue to be able to use the T-Band to serve their mission-critical communications needs. APCO was pleased to work with congressional staff on legislative language related to 9-1-1 fee diversion that was paired with the T-Band provision as part of a critical compromise.