N_Jay said:
These networks, if they ever happen will be cellular like technology akin to TETRA, iDEN, and/or CDMA.
Right. Just because they are 700MHz does not mean anything. IF the agencies choose to join these networks (IF they even get built), THEN you can forget about monitoring them. You can be sure that many agencies will not easily give up control of their public safety networks, and even if they move to 700 they could use a more conventional system.
I work for a CDMA carrier and we can't monitor individual conversations off the air. The closest we could come in the field is to monitor it at the T1 level. Even that is going away with the introduction of packet backhaul. Of course, calls can be monitored at the switch in compliance with CALEA federal wiretap laws. But over the air... nope.
Even so N_Jay, I guess I didn't realize that they were handing out 700 Mhz licenses yet. If you have any more info, let us know.
Also, Stick0413, there are commercial wireless (cellular/pcs) allocations and public safety allocations at 700. The commercial carriers will have to bid for them at auction.