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PUBLIC SAFETY ASSOCIATIONS HOLD THIRD MEETING TO FORM CONSENSUS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF A NATIONWIDE BROADBAND NETWORK
November 16, 2009, Alexandria, Va. - The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International and the Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCC) co-hosted a meeting on Friday of nine major public safety organizations to further address matters related to the development of a nationwide interoperable broadband network. The meeting included representatives from the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), Major County Sheriffs' Association (MCS), Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association (MFCA), National Emergency Management Association (NEMA), National Emergency Number Association (NENA) and the National Sheriffs' Association (NSA) in follow up to two meetings convened in April and May of this year.
Friday's meeting, held at the City of New York's Police Headquarters, focused on continuing to foster consensus on the development and implementation of a public safety wireless broadband network. The group was welcomed and addressed by New York City Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly about the future and importance of technology for public safety. The Commissioner also committed the resources of the department to the efforts of the consensus group. The New York City Police Department's Real Time Crime Center and a citywide wireless network were featured as key examples of the use of broadband communications technology to enhance public safety.
Building on the success of the previous two meetings, the participating organizations substantially agreed:
- that there are considerable efficiencies generated through the use of broadband technology for first response and other government agencies;
- to continue to support the approval of waiver requests for use of 700 MHz public safety broadband spectrum and early build-out in those areas requesting waivers;
- that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) should more clearly specify and delineate, and accept applications from, public safety as an entity to receive funding through the next round of the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP).
"These meetings continue to offer excellent continuity for discussion on critical issues associated with the development of the national broadband network," said APCO International President Richard Mirgon. "Participants discussed the importance of moving forward with purpose, in unity, to maintain momentum as the FCC and Congress consider these matters."
Several attendees were also present at the FCC's field hearing on Thursday of last week and commented that the hearing included a very constructive discussion of public safety broadband requirements. "We also express appreciation for the FCC's efforts to reach out to the public safety community in developing its National Broadband Plan," Mirgon added.
Although another meeting has not been scheduled, the group plans to continue to support a consensus-based approach to license and manage spectrum to create a nationwide broadband wireless network for public safety that addresses the needs of rural, suburban and metropolitan areas. About APCO International
The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International is the world's oldest and largest professional organization dedicated to the enhancement of public safety communications. APCO International serves the professional needs of its 15,000 members worldwide by creating a platform for setting professional standards, addressing professional issues and providing education, products and services for people who manage, operate, maintain and supply the communications systems used by police, fire and emergency medical dispatch agencies. For more information, visit www.apcointl.org.
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