https://urgentcomm.com/wp-content/themes/ucm_child/assets/images/logo/footer-new-logo.png
  • Home
  • News
  • Multimedia
    • Back
    • Multimedia
    • Video
    • Podcasts
    • Galleries
  • Commentary
    • Back
    • Commentary
    • Urgent Matters
    • View From The Top
    • All Things IWCE
    • Legal Matters
  • Resources
    • Back
    • Resources
    • Webinars
    • White Papers
    • Reprints & Reuse
  • IWCE
    • Back
    • IWCE
    • Conference
    • Special Events
    • Exhibitor Listings
    • Premier Partners
    • Floor Plan
    • Exhibiting Information
    • Register for IWCE
  • About Us
    • Back
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Statement
    • Cookies Policy
  • Related Sites
    • Back
    • American City & County
    • IWCE
    • Light Reading
    • IOT World Today
    • Mission Critical Technologies
    • Microwave/RF
    • T&D World
    • TU-Auto
  • In the field
    • Back
    • In the field
    • Broadband Push-to-X
    • Internet of Things
    • Project 25
    • Public-Safety Broadband/FirstNet
    • Virtual/Augmented Reality
    • Land Mobile Radio
    • Long Term Evolution (LTE)
    • Applications
    • Drones/Robots
    • IoT/Smart X
    • Software
    • Subscriber Devices
    • Video
  • Call Center/Command
    • Back
    • Call Center/Command
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • NG911
    • Alerting Systems
    • Analytics
    • Dispatch/Call-taking
    • Incident Command/Situational Awareness
    • Tracking, Monitoring & Control
  • Network Tech
    • Back
    • Network Tech
    • Interoperability
    • LMR 100
    • LMR 200
    • Backhaul
    • Deployables
    • Power
    • Tower & Site
    • Wireless Networks
    • Coverage/Interference
    • Security
    • System Design
    • System Installation
    • System Operation
    • Test & Measurement
  • Operations
    • Back
    • Operations
    • Critical Infrastructure
    • Enterprise
    • Federal Government/Military
    • Public Safety
    • State & Local Government
    • Training
  • Regulations
    • Back
    • Regulations
    • Narrowbanding
    • T-Band
    • Rebanding
    • TV White Spaces
    • None
    • Funding
    • Policy
    • Regional Coordination
    • Standards
  • Organizations
    • Back
    • Organizations
    • AASHTO
    • APCO
    • DHS
    • DMR Association
    • ETA
    • EWA
    • FCC
    • IWCE
    • NASEMSO
    • NATE
    • NXDN Forum
    • NENA
    • NIST/PSCR
    • NPSTC
    • NTIA/FirstNet
    • P25 TIG
    • TETRA + CCA
    • UTC
Urgent Communications
  • NEWSLETTER
  • Home
  • News
  • Multimedia
    • Back
    • Video
    • Podcasts
    • Omdia Crit Comms Circle Podcast
    • Galleries
    • IWCE’s Video Showcase
  • Commentary
    • Back
    • All Things IWCE
    • Urgent Matters
    • View From The Top
    • Legal Matters
  • Resources
    • Back
    • Webinars
    • White Papers
    • Reprints & Reuse
    • UC eZines
    • Sponsored content
  • IWCE
    • Back
    • Conference
    • Why Attend
    • Exhibitor Listing
    • Floor Plan
    • Exhibiting Information
    • Join the Event Mailing List
  • About Us
    • Back
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Statement
    • Cookies Policy
  • Related Sites
    • Back
    • American City & County
    • IWCE
    • Light Reading
    • IOT World Today
    • TU-Auto
  • newsletter
  • In the field
    • Back
    • Internet of Things
    • Broadband Push-to-X
    • Project 25
    • Public-Safety Broadband/FirstNet
    • Virtual/Augmented Reality
    • Land Mobile Radio
    • Long Term Evolution (LTE)
    • Applications
    • Drones/Robots
    • IoT/Smart X
    • Software
    • Subscriber Devices
    • Video
  • Call Center/Command
    • Back
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • NG911
    • Alerting Systems
    • Analytics
    • Dispatch/Call-taking
    • Incident Command/Situational Awareness
    • Tracking, Monitoring & Control
  • Network Tech
    • Back
    • Cybersecurity
    • Interoperability
    • LMR 100
    • LMR 200
    • Backhaul
    • Deployables
    • Power
    • Tower & Site
    • Wireless Networks
    • Coverage/Interference
    • Security
    • System Design
    • System Installation
    • System Operation
    • Test & Measurement
  • Operations
    • Back
    • Critical Infrastructure
    • Enterprise
    • Federal Government/Military
    • Public Safety
    • State & Local Government
    • Training
  • Regulations
    • Back
    • Narrowbanding
    • T-Band
    • Rebanding
    • TV White Spaces
    • None
    • Funding
    • Policy
    • Regional Coordination
    • Standards
  • Organizations
    • Back
    • AASHTO
    • APCO
    • DHS
    • DMR Association
    • ETA
    • EWA
    • FCC
    • IWCE
    • NASEMSO
    • NATE
    • NXDN Forum
    • NENA
    • NIST/PSCR
    • NPSTC
    • NTIA/FirstNet
    • P25 TIG
    • TETRA + CCA
    • UTC
acc.com

Commentary Newsletters


Let’s take a look at the video

Let’s take a look at the video

Instead of throwing white papers at each other, representatives of the FCC, Congress and public safety need to talk about what they want this proposed public-safety network to do.
  • Written by Urgent Communications Administrator
  • 22nd June 2010

Last week, the FCC released its much-anticipated white paper detailing why the agency believes 10 MHz of 700 MHz spectrum currently licensed to the Public Safety Spectrum Trust (PSST) typically will be enough to serve the needs of first responders using a proposed nationwide, public-safety wireless broadband network.

As promised, the white paper states that 10 MHz is sufficient to serve public safety’s bandwidth needs for routine, day-to-day operations. When a truly large-scale disaster occurs — think 9/11 or Hurricane Katrina — public safety will need considerably more spectrum and should have priority-roaming access to commercial wireless networks in the 700 MHz band to meet capacity demands.

On these two ends of the usage-case model, the FCC and public-safety officials are in agreement. In terms of the usage cases between these two extremes, there is considerable debate.

According to the FCC white paper, 10 MHz of spectrum will be enough to serve public safety’s needs even during significant local responses, such as the Minneapolis bridge collapse and Hurricane Ike in Houston. Meanwhile, many public-safety officials question whether 10 MHz of spectrum will even be adequate for local incidents that tend to happen a few times per year, such as a large multi-vehicle accident or other significant local event.

From an outsiders’ point of view, the most remarkable statement on the subject in recent weeks came from FCC Chief Technologist Jon Peha, who said during a recent panel that the FCC would use the numbers provided by New York City — data that public-safety officials cite as proof that more than 10 MHz of spectrum is needed — to show that the PSST spectrum would be enough in virtually all instances.

Sure enough, the capacity white paper includes sections detailing the New York City “dirty bomb” scenario and notes that there will be plenty of capacity for responders to run their applications for video, data, etc. But there is one significant caveat: the mobile video throughputs used by the FCC are a fraction of those used by New York City.

While there a many other applications to consider, video is most significant, because it requires the most bandwidth and requires high quality-of-service levels to ensure that interruptions don’t occur. New York City built its scenario on having 1.15 Mbps per device for video applications, which is enough to provide standard-broadcast quality video.

In contrast, the FCC plan calls for video throughputs between 256 Kbps — as included in the statement of requirements submitted by the National Public Safety Telecommunications Council (NPSTC) prior to the failed D Block auction two years ago — and 384 Kbps.

In the dirty-bomb scenario, the FCC white paper shows that 50-60% of the network capacity would be used with video streaming at 256 Kbps, that 60-70% of the network capacity would be used with video streaming at 256 Kbps, and that 80-90% of the network capacity would be used with 512 Kbps video.

Public-safety officials note that the NPSTC video-throughput numbers were designed to be a minimal requirement — not an optimal target throughput rate — to help attract a commercial D Block bidder. More important, the projected use of video and data by public safety is much greater today than it was two years ago. This trend mirrors the commercial world, which has seen data and video usage figures soar through the roof; after all, isn’t that why T-Mobile and Sprint are so adamant about having the right to bid on the D Block today, even though both declined to even participate in the last 700 MHz auction?

Instead of throwing white papers at each other, representatives of the FCC, Congress and public safety need to talk about what they want this proposed public-safety network to do.

If only tactical video is needed for the deployment of large resources such as trucks and manpower is wanted, then the lower video throughputs cited by the FCC probably will suffice. If the video needs to be good enough to stand up in court for prosecutorial purposes or to make an identification of a potential suspect, then broadcast-quality video is probably more appropriate.

Meanwhile, one of the most compelling applications proposed is the ability for a doctor to perform remote diagnosis from a hospital to determine what EMS should do with a patient at an incident — what treatments should be given on site and where the patient should be taken to get appropriate treatment. To make those kinds of decisions, remote doctors will need at least 1 Mbps and would prefer 3 Mbps to approach high-definition video.

If I’m the guy injured at an accident site or in an ambulance, I definitely want the doctor to have the clearest picture possible, so no one performs an unnecessary procedure or sends me to a hospital that is not equipped to take care of me properly. I suspect most lawmakers and policymakers in Washington would feel the same, if asked.

Still, there is no doubt that money and spectrum limitations have to be considered. With this in mind, all sides of this debate need to do a better job of stating their cases about what they want this network to be able to do, so laws and policies can be made based on informed decisions, not on speculation based on twisted assumptions. That’s going to require all parties to calm down, state their cases and — yes — truly listen to the problems faced by the other players involved in the matter.

What do you think? Tell us in the comment box below.

Tags: Commentary Newsletters Networks & Systems Commentary

Most Recent


  • LTE and liability: Why the fire service must move forward with digital incident command
    The grief following a firefighter line-of-duty death (LODD) is beyond words. Fellow firefighters are devastated. Families are shattered. In the aftermath, questions arise about the circumstances: Was the loss preventable? What was the chain of actions leading to the catastrophe? Central to these questions is the role of incident command (IC), the command’s situational awareness, […]
  • Partnership and collaboration must be the foundation for emergency communications
    I’m from a little town in West Texas. As a Texan, I like getting straight to the point: I believe that emergency communications are a matter of national security. Because this message is so important, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has designated this April as the first-ever Emergency Communications Month. At CISA, we […]
  • FirstNet success means no hypothetical 'shots' need to be fired, Swenson says
    As public-safety officials today commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the FirstNet Authority being created, the deployment of the FirstNet nationwide public-safety broadband network (NPSBN) has proceeded well enough that no one needs to face a firing squad, according to former Authority board Chair Sue Swenson. “Save it for another time,” Swenson said during a recent […]
  • Show support for law enforcement on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
    This coming Sunday, January 9th, is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day—a well-deserved day to thank and show support to law-enforcement officers for their dedication to duty and service to their local communities, as well as protecting the people who live and work in the communities. On behalf of L3Harris, a Florida-based company that provides critical […]

Leave a comment Cancel reply

To leave a comment login with your Urgent Comms account:

Log in with your Urgent Comms account

Or alternatively provide your name, email address below:

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Content

  • Unlocking the power of ESInets: Different NG911 provisioning approaches exist; level of control is key differentiator
  • Ransomware? Let's call it what it really is: extortionware
  • Redefining communications for today’s mobile workforces
  • Hi-tech sewer can help safeguard public health, environment and economies

Commentary


LTE and liability: Why the fire service must move forward with digital incident command

  • 2
6th May 2022

Partnership and collaboration must be the foundation for emergency communications

18th April 2022

FirstNet success means no hypothetical ‘shots’ need to be fired, Swenson says

22nd February 2022
view all

Events


UC Ezines


IWCE 2019 Wrap Up

13th May 2019
view all

Twitter


UrgentComm

Diffusing the connected car’s ticking data-privacy timebomb dlvr.it/SWdCw2

14th August 2022
UrgentComm

Patch madness: Vendor bug advisories are broken, so broken dlvr.it/SWcvFR

14th August 2022
UrgentComm

What the 6 GHz band might mean to fixed-wireless access dlvr.it/SWctfk

14th August 2022
UrgentComm

FirstNet PTT technical progress highlighted by AT&T at APCO 2022 dlvr.it/SWZtNJ

13th August 2022
UrgentComm

Newscan: D.C. appeals court upholds FCC decision to share 5.9 GHz V2V spectrum with Wi-Fi dlvr.it/SWZQpx

13th August 2022
UrgentComm

Cisco confirms data breach, hacked files leaked dlvr.it/SWV8l9

12th August 2022
UrgentComm

Researchers developing health-monitoring e-tattoo dlvr.it/SWV749

12th August 2022
UrgentComm

Partnership launches no-cost wastewater monitoring service for local governments dlvr.it/SWV5PK

12th August 2022

Newsletter

Sign up for UrgentComm’s newsletters to receive regular news and information updates about Communications and Technology.

Expert Commentary

Learn from experts about the latest technology in automation, machine-learning, big data and cybersecurity.

Business Media

Find the latest videos and media from the market leaders.

Media Kit and Advertising

Want to reach our digital and print audiences? Learn more here.

DISCOVER MORE FROM INFORMA TECH

  • American City & County
  • IWCE
  • Light Reading
  • IOT World Today
  • Mission Critical Technologies
  • TU-Auto

WORKING WITH US

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Events
  • Careers

FOLLOW Urgent Comms ON SOCIAL

  • Privacy
  • CCPA: “Do Not Sell My Data”
  • Cookies Policy
  • Terms
Copyright © 2022 Informa PLC. Informa PLC is registered in England and Wales with company number 8860726 whose registered and Head office is 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.
This website uses cookies, including third party ones, to allow for analysis of how people use our website in order to improve your experience and our services. By continuing to use our website, you agree to the use of such cookies. Click here for more information on our Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy.
X