Public Safety and Government Broadband: Advanced Wireless Technologies and the Road Ahead

Much of the communications industry, the public safety community, and policymakers have focused on the fate of the 700 MHz D-block as the only migration path to advanced technologies for critical public communications. Around the U.S., however, states, cities, and localities are beginning to adopt next generation wireless technologies to enable public safety agencies and other government organizations to operate and communicate more effectively. To that end, this conference will focus on the broad array of challenges involved in migrating government communications functions to next generation technologies, moving our 9-1-1 system to Internet and text messaging capabilities, enabling first responders to utilize broadband technologies that include video and data communications in real-time, and promoting the use of sophisticated database information in the field by first responders in emergency situations. This conference will discuss ongoing and planned wireless broadband projects and initiatives, issues related to the regulation and use of radio spectrum, challenges around adopting advanced technologies, and how public-private partnerships can play a role.