Sens. Rockefeller and Hutchison push for public safety network

{mosads}“Americans should expect that they can reach their loved ones during an emergency,” the senators wrote. “But our commercial networks are asked to do much more. Because first responders still do not have a nationwide wireless broadband network of their own, they must rely on these same commercial networks if they hope to access any mobile data services, such as text messaging and emails.” 

Public safety agencies have their own wireless networks, but responders can only use the networks for voice communications. Ineffective communication was a critical problem during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and Hurricane Katrina.

In June, the Commerce Committee approved Rockefeller’s bill that would use the “D Block” of spectrum to create a nationwide interoperable public safety network. Rockefeller has said he hopes the bill will become law before the 10th anniversary of 9/11 next month.

“Despite being six years from the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina and ten years from the tragic events of 9/11, we still do not have an interoperable wireless broadband network for public safety,” the senators wrote. “We must not allow any more potentially life-threatening disasters to occur before our nation’s first responders get the interoperable public safety communications system they need to keep us safe. And, as the communications troubles following the earthquake reminded us, we cannot require public safety to rely exclusively on commercial networks for their mission-critical, advanced wireless communications needs.”