U.S. offers $968 million for disaster technology

US OFFERS $968 MILLION FOR DISASTER TECHNOLOGY
[SOURCE: Reuters]
The government is offering $968 million in grants to help state and local public safety agencies buy sophisticated radios and technology for communications during disasters. The program aims to equip police and fire departments and other emergency agencies in all 50 states with more dependable and interoperable communications. Funding for the grants will come from expected proceeds of the Federal Communications Commission's 700 megahertz spectrum auction scheduled for later this year. Technology eligible for grants includes voice or radio Internet protocols, broadband video applications, mobile public safety networks, multi-band software designed radios and satellite communication systems.
http://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSN1833586420070718

* Announcement from Secs of Commerce and Homeland Security
http://www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/press/2007/PSIC_071707.pdf

* New York City Expects Federal Funds to Improve Emergency Radio Use
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/19/nyregion/19radios.html