FCC considers broadband for public safety

The Federal Communications Commission, developing a national broadband plan, is hoping to expand it to cover public safety. It could be the first time there would be a unified way to provide alerts to the public in the event of a catastrophe or 9-11 event. And it would replace the failed emergency radio broadcasts still being used erratically, as well as community sirens to signal an alert.

"Our nation's public safety is perhaps the most important issue for this commission," FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn said last week in a speech. "It is critical that we provide the best leadership possible to ensure that communications are operational during our most serious emergencies that affect our communities and our families."

The FCC is not the only agency grappling with public safety issues. The Department of Homeland Security is in the process of developing plans, too, on ways to get the word out on issues ranging from cybersecurity to disease outbreaks.

"DHS looks at the development of a national broadband plan as an opportunity to protect the American people from the many threats we face," said Rand Beers, the undersecretary for the department's National Protection and Programs Directorate.

But there are still problems, no matter how efficient the responses become. Beers notes that new technologies will have to operate with first responders' existing equipment. "We need to remember that legacy LAN mobile radio services will be with us for a long time," he said. "This is why our mission is to promote compatibility and interoperability."

The FCC is well aware of the limitations on broadband, but it's also aware of the possibilities to use it effectively.

For more on using broadband in emergencies:
- see this InternetNews.com article [1]