FCC seeks comments from public-safety on mobile broadband access

As it tries to draft a national broadband communications plan, The Federal Communications Commission is seeking comment on how broadband access touches a variety of segments in the United States, including first responders and small and disadvantaged businesses, as well as local and state governments. Comments on how to best get broadband into the hands of the public-safety community could prove interesting, especially as the FCC decides what to do with 700 MHz spectrum from the failed D-Block auction, which was supposed to stitch together a public/private partnership to help meet public-safety’s broadband needs.
The commission is tasked with developing a national broadband plan by early 2010.
“Public-safety agencies today typically have only access to broadband services that they obtain from commercial service providers. In particular, public-safety agencies generally lack access to mobile wireless broadband service that meets their specialized requirements (e.g., coverage, hardening, reliability, etc.). If such broadband capability were made available to public safety, for example, it could allow firefighters to receive a recent video of a fire scene or perhaps blueprints or understand where hazardous material is located even as they proceed to the fire scene or police officers to receive videos of a crime scene or an accident or even a suspect or evidence,” the agency noted in its requests for comments.
Specifically, the agency is asking how the public-safety community uses broadband today, interoperability obstacles and what role wireless communications can play in meeting public-safety needs. The agency also wants to know how commercial providers can meet public-safety needs today and in the future, as well as what role broadband can play in next-generation 911 calls, public emergency alerts and any cybersecurity risks. Comments are due Nov. 12.
Small business and broadband
Small and disadvantaged businesses are being asked to comment on whether they have access to broadband services, at what speeds, how much they pay and what obstacles do they face in getting broadband into their businesses. These comments are due Nov. 2.
Government use
In addition, the FCC is asking what role broadband access plays in federal, state, tribal and local government use. Comments are due Nov. 6.
The agency also plans to hold two hearings this week on broadband capital formation and diversity issues.