Late last year, the FCC produced a report to Congress that envisioned an integrated, interoperable, nationwide network capable of providing broadband services for emergency responders on the frontlines. A network such as this would be capable of providing:

-Rapid warnings and messages pertaining to criminal activity
-Video surveillance during emergency incidents
-Real-time text messaging and e-mail
-Delivery of high-resolution digital images
-The ability to obtain location and status information of personnel and equipment
-"Smart radios" capable of operating on multiple frequencies and multiple formats

However, the report noted, in order for emergency responders to be able to deploy these new, potentially life-saving technologies into the field additional spectrum allocations would be needed. Not only would that take time, it would potentially undo much of the work already devoted by public safety agencies to plan for the use of channels in the 700MHz spectra.

So, rather than complicate things, the FCC is now investigating whether portions of the 700MHz spectra slated to be returned to first responders as part of the transition to DTV might accommodate broadband. Broadband technologies can significantly reduce the time it takes to access critical information and, in an emergency, could mean the difference between life and death.

Coupled with the on-going work of the Hurricane Katrina Independent Panel and the Commission's recent vote to establish the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, the FCC has taken yet another positive step towards ensuring that emergency responders have access to the tools they need to protect our communities.