Policy & Law Commentary

Ret. Chief Jeff Johnson says fire chiefs should care about the D Block

Rarely do I hear a volunteer fire chief say, “Mary Rose, our department really needs to get our hands on some spectrum.” But public safety does need to get its hands on spectrum and quick.

Congress should recognize that FCC cost study on NG-911 only a first step

What needs to be emphasized to Capitol Hill is that this cost estimate only looks at the network-connectivity aspect of NG-911. It does not try to estimate how much new equipment, software or personnel a PSAP would have to add to make the next-generation vision a reality — substantial costs that probably cannot be estimated right now, as there are too many variables and potential changes that would need to be considered.

Federal narrowbanding help is a great idea, but time is running out

Even if Congress acted faster than most can contemplate and this proposal were approved in less than a month, that doesn’t leave enough time to create the grant program, establish grant guidance, accept applications and decide who would receive the funds.

It’s time for Congress to stop talking and start taking action

If politicians really want to honor first responders and mark the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in a most meaningful way, they’ll roll up their sleeves and work to enact legislation that will make it all possible.

Public safety prepares for final D Block push

Next week, Congress is scheduled to return to session, after spending the past month away from Capitol Hill. There are no hearings or votes during the break, so there is no way to make any tangible progress toward the passage of legislation. But that doesn’t mean that public-safety representatives also were taking a break during the past month.

Thank you for your contributions

What is remarkable about the NALs is that they are for myriad violations. It used to be that the FCC would get serious about a particular issue, for example tower lighting, and would issue a host of NALs for that rule violation. Now, the FCC is looking at various areas for enforcement and is issuing NALs whenever and wherever evil is found.

A roller coaster of emotions

Without question, Sept. 11, 2001, will be remembered forevermore as one of the darkest days in our country’s history. It is exceedingly difficult to find a silver lining in an event that caused nearly 3,000 Americans to lose their lives. But if there is one, it is that public-safety communications are far better today — and promise to be even better in the future.

Regarding stalled 700 MHz legislation, perspective — not panic — is needed

Just getting to this point is a remarkable achievement. What sane person would have predicted, when all of this began, that public safety would get this far? Most people didn’t think it would, metaphorically speaking, pick up even one first down. And yet, here it is, with the goal line just a few yards away.

Today was a good day for the 911 sector

the most important of the steps that Genachowski outlined was the last one: the FCC will work to develop a NG-911 funding model. Hold on — I think I just felt the earth move.

Flexible uses needed in 700 MHz proposals

A larger FCC order on this topic is expected in the upcoming months, but some question whether the agency can interpret existing law to grant the kinds of flexible use of public safety’s 700 MHz broadband that would provide the greatest benefits to taxpayers.

Ret. Chief Jeff Johnson says fire chiefs should care about the D Block

Congress should recognize that FCC cost study on NG-911 only a first step

Federal narrowbanding help is a great idea, but time is running out

It’s time for Congress to stop talking and start taking action

Public safety prepares for final D Block push

Thank you for your contributions

A roller coaster of emotions

Regarding stalled 700 MHz legislation, perspective — not panic — is needed

Today was a good day for the 911 sector

Flexible uses needed in 700 MHz proposals

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