Weak signal: how to achieve next-generation public safety networks.

• Author: Deaton, Juan D.
• Position: VIEWPOINT

It is a disconcerting dichotomy that while most Americans can rapidly thumb text messages and instantly send pictures and videos to their friends, public safety workers frequently are given antiquated wireless technologies to perform the important job of saving lives.

The solution to nationwide interoperability for public safety workers, however, is not as simple as giving them cell phones.

This is a complicated problem that will require a mix of technology fixes as well as improved mechanisms to distribute information within the public safety workforce.

Cellular technology is an extremely attractive option for public safety communications. The success of the commercial market will guarantee that the technology will continue to improve. In 2007, the wireless industry's revenue was an estimated $153 billion. Cellular operator network upgrades were estimated at $23.6 billion, the equivalent of two-thirds of the Department of Homeland Security's total program budget.

In the United States, coverage expands from coast to coast with the number of cellular sites steadily increasing at a rate of 6.5 percent a year. Virtually every single geographically populated area has cellular coverage. Cellular data rates are also increasing exponentially. By the year 2012, peak download rates for cellular devices are expected to be in the hundreds of megabits.

These high data rates will allow operators to replace circuit-based switching techniques with Voice over IP (VoIP) protocols, antiquating the "phone number" and replacing it with an IP address. Merging the Internet with cellular technologies has created an environment where any data can be available anywhere and at any time.

At the end of 2006, Municipal WiFi (Wireless Fidelity AKA 802.11) was seen as a market disruptive technology that could end the regime of the cellular carriers. The equipment is less expensive, WiFi devices are ubiquitous and they use unlicensed spectrum. Municipalities had just begun to use WiFi to provide public safety with data communications. Later that year, many companies and municipalities published grandiose coverage plans. Unfortunately by 2007, the economics of the municipal WiFi plans were not sustainable. The technology simply was not designed for widespread deployment, public adoption was low and costs were much higher than estimated. Companies abandoned their plans for municipal WiFi and sold their investments to avoid a loss. WiFi has its place in public safety...