News
Issue #2003 - 14 (April 2003)
(Updated Apr. 23, 2003)

APPLICATION SOLUTIONS & APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT

In USA, States Make Progress Toward Seamless Emergency Communications

According to the Public Safety Wireless Network, a project of the U.S. Departments of Justice and Treasury, 14 states rate high marks for their efforts to implement interoperable emergency communications systems. The systems would enable first responders, such as police and firefighters, to communicate with each other at rescue scenes. The lack of such interoperable systems drew increased public scrutiny after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Police and fire officials responding to the attacks at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were unable to talk to each other over their radio systems. The states that lead in making their emergency communications systems seamless are: Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota and Utah. (Source: Hartford Courant, Connecticut)

MobileInfo Comments and Advisory: Ability to communicate across public safety agencies has always been extremely important. There are essentially two reasons for this lack of interoperability. First roadblock has been proprietary hardware and software protocols in various radio networks sold by major public safety communications vendors. Second reason was silos set up by the police, fire, ambulance and other local services in a municipality. Each agency acquired systems on its own without worrying about piggy-backing on something that existed or acquiring something that was compatible. Patching of calls through control centers has always been problematic, especially when the need was greatest - in disaster situations. 

While recent events have highlighted the need and homeland security in USA has taken the charge in establishing standards, it will take a while before true interoperability is achieved. It is incumbent upon both private sector and public safety agencies to take this seriously. We are glad to note that 33% of the states think that they are in good standing.

 Note: This news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and section 21E of Securities Exchange act of 1934 in USA. Similar provisions exist in other countries. There is no assurance that the stipulated plans of vendors will be implemented. MobileInfo does not warrant the authenticity of the information. Readers should take appropriate caution in developing plans utilizing these products, services and technology architectures.  All trademarks used in this summary are the property of their respective owners.