FCC begins work on new public safety broadband network
The FCC released a report highlighting the cost-saving measures in its proposal to rollout a public safety broadband network.
The recently released National Broadband Plan calls for a comprehensive review of US public safety communication networks. More advanced wireless networks will help mitigate communications problems during crises that were exposed during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 and hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Entitled A Broadband Network Cost Model: The Basis for Public Funding Essential to Bringing Nationwide Interoperable Communications to America's First Responders, the study offers a detailed plan of the FCC's vision in creating a sustainable public safety network.
According to the white paper, the FCC proposes to build out a public safety broadband network using a public-private partnership model with the nation's leading wireless carriers-saving the country $9.2 billion over ten years.
In addition, the study indicates that upgrading stand-alone public safety networks could cost significantly more than the incentive based, public-private partnership model for which the National Broadband Plan advocates. The report states that upgrading current public wireless networks could cost as much as $25 to $30 billion.
The FCC's proposal for an incentive-based partnership leverages innovation, capitalizes on commercial resources, and could ultimately save the country over $30 billion.
Read more about the importance of high-speed public safety works at Speedmatters.
FCC outlines economically viable way to building public safety broadband network (FCC)
National Broadband Plan — Chapter 16: Public Safety (Broadband.gov)
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