Policy & Law Commentary

New public-safety network is story like no other

This network ultimately will save countless lives that, perhaps, wouldn’t be saved today — both first responders and the citizens they protect — by enabling advanced communications capabilities that aren’t available today.

It’s time for a hard look at federal spectrum policy

Should the FCC have anticipated interference problems with LightSquared’s proposed network? It’s difficult to say.

Last year was a good year for public safety

Barring the kind of Christmas/New Year’s miracle that typically is found only in heartwarming movies, 2011 will go down as yet another year in which Congress failed to enact legislation that would provide public safety with the spectrum and funding needed to make the vision of a nationwide network for first responders a reality.

Public safety facing long odds for D Block approval this year

Public safety’s hopes to convince Congress to reallocate the 700 MHz D Block spectrum and provide billions of dollars of funding for a nationwide LTE network before the end of the year may not officially be dead, but they certainly appear to need some sort of life support at the moment.

Capitol Hill showdown means D Block issue could be decided soon

Whether negotiations can be completed in the compressed time available to lawmakers is anybody’s guess, but Congress has an opportunity to jumpstart the next generation of public-safety communications and to be perceived as something more akin to Santa Claus, instead of the Grinch.

If only we treated first responders the way we treat our athletes

We have yet to find the money needed to deliver next-generation communications capabilities to first responders that will make them better at what they do and keep everyone safer in the process, even though we’ve been talking about it for years. But, somehow, we don’t think twice about a long-snapper making more than three grand every time he touches the ball. Something is very, very wrong with this picture.

Latest Capitol Hill actions have public safety hopeful but concerned

But public safety is not celebrating yet, and for good reason.

Anti-eavesdropping laws could have a chilling effect on citizen engagement

Part of the reason that everyone is so excited about next-generation 911 is that its broadband capabilities will enable citizens to provide public safety with video and images from emergencies in real-time. But if such citizens believe that they will be hassled, or even arrested, when they do, they likely will avoid getting involved.

The ultimate way to say thanks

If Congress truly wanted to thank first responders for their service, its members would stop talking and start voting to reallocate the D Block and provide funding for a communications network that will keep them safer while they risk their lives protecting us.

Why RPCs are essential

Regional planning committees consist of volunteers from the first-responder community and are focused on ensuring that spectrum is available to those agencies that want to use it under the guidelines established by the RPCs.

New public-safety network is story like no other

It’s time for a hard look at federal spectrum policy

Last year was a good year for public safety

Public safety facing long odds for D Block approval this year

Capitol Hill showdown means D Block issue could be decided soon

If only we treated first responders the way we treat our athletes

Latest Capitol Hill actions have public safety hopeful but concerned

Anti-eavesdropping laws could have a chilling effect on citizen engagement

The ultimate way to say thanks

Why RPCs are essential

Commentary

Is LMR the best solution for first responders? Should 4.9 GHz license go to the FirstNet Authority?

Countdown to IWCE 2024: Your Last-Minute Guide

FirstNet Authority reauthorization needed as public-safety-driven network evolution proceeds

Events

UC Ezines

IWCE 2019 Wrap Up