Homeland Security to Fund Next-Generation Emergency Wireless Service

The Homeland Security Department is preparing to spend $8 million for prototype wireless services that potentially could synchronize public safety communications systems nationwide without costing billions of dollars, government documents suggest.

“Next-generation tactical wireless broadband” is intended to overcome several challenges authorities and first responders face in trying to exchange data and video during crises, according to an announcement about funding availability. Of particular concern is the lack of interconnected networks for public safety officials across the country, so critical messages may fail to reach the right people in time. The 18-month effort is expected to establish “the ability to seamlessly roam from public safety networks, commercial networks and [land mobile radio] networks,” while also “connecting users operating on different networks,” DHS officials stated. The competition for research funding is open to industry, government laboratories, academic institutions and nonprofit organizations. DHS is looking for approaches that could help upgrade existing network services quickly. The objective “is to support immediate technology transition wherever possible, and to create transition paths for new capabilities from the outset,” according to the call for applicants.