FCC Shapes Up Broadband For First Responders

Jan 28, 2011 3:15 PM, MD&D News Staff

Hoping to solve problems fingered by a 9/11 commission, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted a Third Report and Order (Order) and Fourth Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) drafted to advance communications interoperability for U.S. first responders. Adopted and proposed rules support the implementation of dedicated and secure mobile broadband networks that will enable public safety personnel to share information across departments nationwide. The Order and FNPRM requires all 700-MHz public safety networks to use a common air interface, specifically Long-Term Evolution (LTE). The FNPRM seeks public comment on the architectural vision of the network, effectiveness of open standards, interconnectivity between networks, security and encryption, coverage and coverage reliability requirements, roaming and priority access between public safety broadband networks, and interference coordination and protection. For more details, contact Jennifer Manner, deputy bureau chief, at 202-418-3619 or Jennifer.Manner@fcc.gov.