Much Work Remains to Improve Communications Interoperability

FIRST RESPONDERS: MUCH WORK REMAINS TO IMPROVE COMMUNICATIONS INTEROPERABILITY
[SOURCE: Government Accountability Office 4/2]
As the first to respond to natural disasters, domestic terrorism, and other emergencies, public safety agencies rely on timely communications across multiple disciplines and jurisdictions. It is vital to the safety and effectiveness of first responders that their electronic communications systems enable them to communicate with whomever they need to, when they need to, and when they are authorized to do so. GAO was asked to determine, among other things, 1) the extent to which Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding and technical assistance has helped to improve interoperable communications in selected states and 2) the progress that has been made in the development and implementation of interoperable communications standards. To address these objectives, GAO reviewed grant information, documentation of selected states’ and localities’ interoperability projects, and standards documents. GAO is making recommendations to DHS, which include assessing how states’ grant requests support statewide communications plans and modifying its guidance on acquiring interoperable equipment.
GAO-07-301
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-301
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07301high.pdf

See also --
* FCC’s Martin shows renewed interest in E911
[SOURCE: RCRWireless, AUTHOR: Jeffrey Silva]
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin plans to tackle the location-based E911 arena with new rules for testing the service, as well as a call for public comment on the technology itself. Martin’s moves come shortly after his dismissal of an industry expert who was working on a report that highlighted problems with locating wireless callers inside buildings and in rural areas. Chairman Martin plans to rule soon that testing of location-based enhanced 911 wireless accuracy be conducted at local emergency call centers rather than at the state level. The Association of Public Safety Communications Officials International petitioned the FCC for such a move several years ago. Martin also plans to seek public comment on E911 technological advances and prospects for an across-the-board industry deployment of a hybrid approach to E911, which draws on both GPS technology in handsets as well as network triangulation techniques.
http://www.rcrnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070409/FREE/70409007/1005/rss01