STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER AJIT PAI
ON THE ORDER GRANTING A REQUEST FILED BY THE STATE OF TEXAS FOR 
SPECIAL TEMPORARY AUTHORITY (STA) TO OPERATE A 700 MHz PUBLIC 
SAFETY BROADBAND NETWORK IN HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS
Re: Implementing Public Safety Broadband Provisions of the Middle Class Tax Relief and 
Job Creation Act of 2012, PS Docket No. 12-94; Service Rules for the 698-746, 747-762 
and 777-792 MHz Bands, WT Docket No. 06-150; Implementing a Nationwide, 
Broadband, Interoperable Public Safety Network in the 700 MHz Band, PS Docket No. 
06-229 
The ongoing damage and communications outages caused by Hurricane Isaac are painful 
reminders that hurricane season is once again upon us.  That is why I am especially pleased that 
the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau has released today’s order granting special 
temporary authority (STA) to the State of Texas.  This authority will allow the continued 
deployment of an interoperable public safety broadband network in Harris County, which will 
enhance the ability of first responders to address hurricanes and other public safety emergencies.  
I commend the Bureau for acting on this application well within the 30-day deadline set forth in 
the STA Order approved by the Commission last month.1 I hope that the Commission and the 
Bureau will continue to do everything possible to ensure maximum deployment of public safety 
broadband network infrastructure, consistent with the law, until FirstNet’s network is fully 
operational.  
  
1 Implementing Public Safety Broadband Provisions of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job 
Creation Act of 2012, PS Docket No. 12-94, Order, FCC 12-85 (rel. July 31, 2012).