Bob Pavlak, D.C.’s Chief Engineer for Public Safety Wireless Broadband, described the challenge of preparing the communications network for the Presidential Inauguration this past January, where more than 1.5 million Americans descended on the National Mall. Things went relatively smoothly that day, Pavlak noted, but “this was for a peaceful event.”

A number of other voices added their perspectives on why we need robust, dynamic broadband networks to enable next-generation public safety and emergency response systems and nimble, interoperable emergency communications. Even the Department of Homeland Security’s Undersecretary Rand Beers testified on the agency’s need for real-time situational awareness technologies like video, mapping, and additional technologies enabled by broadband.

Representatives from both urban and rural police departments made similar calls. Tim Riley from the Los Angeles Police Department listed the numerous ways his department of over 10,000 sworn officers is using broadband in innovative ways, in addition to traditional office administration uses like email and Internet access:
• Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) messaging
• Asset tracking (vehicles, personnel)
• Fingerprint identification
• Automated field reporting
• National and state database access
• Live video
• NextGen 911
• In-vehicle video file upload

Are we ready for the broadband advances that these panelists, many on the front lines, are calling for? With broadband providers investing billions of dollars in networks, the industry is doing its part to give these first responders communities the tools they need to protect us and keep us safe. As one panelist said, “In emergency communications, 99% is not good enough.”

Here’s hoping we continue to have policies that support robust, dynamic networks that can rapidly evolve alongside our society’s diverse, connected needs.

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