A 5.7 magnitude earthquake in California last week highlights the need for a nationwide public safety broadband network, First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) board Chairwoman Sue Swenson said in a blog posting today. Ms. Swenson was speaking to a town hall meeting in Humboldt County, Calif., last week when the earthquake struck. She said that “not everyone was able to get a signal on their mobile devices.

As is often the case in situations like this, the local telecom networks had become congested from the large number of calls being placed during and immediately after the earthquake hit. Several town hall participants were not able to complete a call for several minutes after it struck.” Ms. Swenson added, “The earthquake served as a vivid demonstration of why there needs to be a broadband communications network dedicated to public safety.

Although many first responders are using wireless carriers’ services today for their broadband data and video needs, the FirstNet network will aim to be ‘ruggedized,’ with coverage in both urban and rural areas, and with databases, devices, and applications that meet specific public safety needs. All of this will differentiate the network from the broadband services available today and significantly improve the ability of public safety agencies across the country to communicate and share information that will better protect them and the people they serve.”

Courtesy TRDaily