[TWIAR] FCC interested in emergency wireless network

[Greg Williams]

FCC interested in emergency wireless network

BY Brian Robinson
Published on Jan. 3, 2006

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The Federal Communications Commission will study the feasibility of 
constructing a nationwide interoperable wireless network for emergency 
workers using some of the spectrum that TV companies will abandon as 
they transition to digital television.


Providing mobile broadband communications, in addition to upgraded 
communications equipment and training, could offer emergency responders 
many important capabilities, the FCC said in a recent report to Congress.


The report was required under the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism 
Prevention Act of 2004.


One part of the act requires consideration of the use of commercial 
wireless technologies to the greatest extent possible in such emergency 
networks. But the FCC report indicates that this would be a major point 
of contention during the construction of such a national network.


Although commercial providers naturally favor the use of commercial 
technologies and providers for at least parts of the network, some 
comments to the FCC by public safety entities indicate the opposite 
should be the case.


The Arizona Regional Review Committee, for example, said that although 
the lack of suitable spectrum has forced many public safety entities to 
use commercial services, in most cases, they don’t provide the backup 
power, site security and redundancy that a dedicated, closed system would.


The Milwaukee Police Department said commercial wireless service "does 
not provide the reliability, features and flexibility [necessary] for 
critical internal communications."


Nevertheless, the FCC concluded that "there may now be a place for 
commercial providers to assist public safety in securing and protecting 
the homeland."


Given the needs of public safety, the FCC said it would act 
expeditiously to determine if some spectrum in the 700 MHz band could be 
modified for broadband wireless communications.