Safeguarding Our Future: Building a Nationwide Network for First Responders

Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) vowed during a hearing Feb 16 to pass -- before the 10th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks -- legislation that would allocate a chunk of spectrum known as the D-block to public-safety officials for an interoperable broadband network. He said legislation he introduced last month is the committee's top priority. His bill would reallocate the D-block to the public-safety officials instead of auctioning it off, as is required by current law. To help pay for the network, the bill would authorize the Federal Communications Commission to conduct incentive auctions aimed at persuading broadcasters to give up some of their spectrum in exchange for some of the proceeds from the auction of those airwaves.

Committee Ranking Member Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) said, "It is vital for America’s first responders to have the best equipment available in order to protect the public in times of crisis, and robust and interoperable communications are essential. Today, children are walking to school with cutting-edge smartphones capable of video conferencing and high-speed Internet connections, while our first responders often rely on voice-only walkie-talkies that use decades-old technology. Often times those radios are not even able to communicate with other departments in nearby towns and counties. Our emergency personnel must have access to 21st century wireless communications."

House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Peter King (R-NY) said: “Reallocating the D-Block to public safety for the development of a national interoperable public safety wireless broadband network is critically important and is exactly what America’s first responders have long advocated. That is why I, along with Ranking Member Thompson, have introduced H.R. 607, the Broadband for First Responders Act of 2011. I am grateful to Chairman Rockefeller for convening this hearing and look forward to working with him, as well as Senators Lieberman and McCain on this important issue.”

“Today, a 16-year-old with a smart phone has a more advanced communications capability than a police officer or deputy carrying a radio. Given the technology that is available, and the complexity of the threat we face, that is unacceptable. It will only change if we succeed in building a nationwide broadband network to a mission-critical grade of service,” said New York City Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly.

Gov Jack Markell (Delaware) said, “The development of an interoperable broadband network for public safety is essential for enhancing the ability of first responders to protect our citizens from harm and respond to requests for emergency assistance. The cornerstone of such a network is dedicated spectrum; specifically, the reallocation of the 700 MHz D block to public safety.”

“Over the past fifty years," said North Las Vegas Fire Department Chief Al Gillespie, "America’s domestic defenders have been allocated thin slices of spectrum in each new band as it became available. That is why, today, we have over 55,000 public safety agencies each operating their own mission critical radio system over six or more different bands. This makes our goal of interoperability both difficult and expensive. After numerous major events and other significant disasters, it is clear that a new model is necessary: a national architecture for public safety wireless communications. To achieve a nationwide, public safety, wireless, interoperable, broadband network, key elements need to be in place.”

“As I am sure that you will hear from all of the panelists, it is inexcusable that almost ten years following the tragic events of September 11th and the carnage inflicted upon the residents of the Gulf Coast following Hurricane Katrina, America’s first responders still find themselves ill equipped to communicate to the degree they need and deserve,” said Directions President Joe Hanna.