White House Backs Development of Modern Public Safety Network

Earlier this month, Vice President Biden announced the launch of the Wireless Innovation and Infrastructure Initiative, a program designed to support the development and deployment of a fully interoperable nationwide network for public safety officials.

Fixing our public safety network has never been more important. Current public safety communications systems are increasingly outdated, fractured, and bloated with unnecessary expenses. Reducing the redundancy of these systems and bringing them up to 21st century standards would save millions of dollars, provide interoperability for first responders, and create a reliable safety net for the public.

According to the White House 21st Century Communications fact sheet:

"Today's communication systems are not only outdated compared with more modern networks and devices, but they are split across thousands of Federal, State, and local jurisdictions that each pay maintenance and upkeep. The Department of Homeland Security alone spends around $1 billion on public safety communications and interoperability. A nationwide network will align today's fragmented system, saving money while bringing capabilities into the 21st Century."

Past efforts to modernize the system have been fraught with expenses and were far too localized; but the technology exists today to create a fully interoperable system. By bringing firefighters, paramedics, police officers, and other pubic safety officials onto a nationwide network, we can improve the quality and speed of response during emergency situations.

It is time to match the dedication of the public safety community, with a reliable and far-reaching network, built on the innovation we have already achieved in the field of communication.

The Benefits of Transitioning to a Nationwide Wireless Broadband Network for Public Safety (White House)

Fact Sheet: 21st Century Communications For Our First Responders