Eshoo repeats call for national public-safety network

{mosads}Eshoo has circulated draft spectrum legislation with Energy and Commerce ranking member Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) that would reallocate the D Block to public safety, similar to a bill passed by the Senate Commerce Committee in June.

But other members of the House Committee would prefer to auction the D Block; the issue is expected to be hashed out at some point during the fall session.

“Ten years after 9/11, the lack of interoperable voice and data communications remains a significant issue for first-responders across the country,” said Chief Dennis Burns of the Palo Alto Police Department.

“Pending legislation before Congress provides an opportunity to create and fund a nationwide broadband network for public safety. Such a network would facilitate coordinated responses to disasters, regional emergencies and mutual aid events. Broadband infrastructure would enhance the abilities of public-safety personnel to provide critical services to our communities.”