The First Response Coalition today released a new report highlighting numerous states that have leapfrogged national interoperability efforts by employing unique funding structures, maximizing available spectrum, and connecting stakeholders through effective governance systems.

The report, "Interoperability Innovation: State Best Practices & Models for First Responder Communications," concludes these best practices should be promoted nationwide, coupled with increased federal funding.

The report finds the following:

(1) Funding remains the major hurdle to achieving full interoperability, with creative state financing limited by insufficient federal commitments

(2) State innovations illustrate the opportunity to improve the existing first responder communications system and upgrade networks with new technologies without drastically reallocating spectrum

(3) As various states pursue innovative tactics, there is a distinct need for adherence to technical standards to better ensure equipment employed across jurisdictions is compatible.