In an emergency, broadband networks can quickly become overwhelmed. This makes passing vital data such as messages, pictures and videos, nearly impossible. Since losing communication is not an option for responders, the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) First Responders Group began assessing broadband networks and looking for alternatives to deliver content.

In this effort, S&T partnered with cities and local police departments to pilot technologies and get firsthand input from responders. Houston and Chicago have been two valuable partners in piloting several technologies. Our partnerships go beyond individual projects to create meaningful, productive relationships between the federal government and our first responder communities.

One of the pilots aiming to make beneficial improvements in public safety broadband is the Chicago LTE Video Pilot. This pilot test served as a Proof of Concept to help identify baseline capabilities for broadband networks and determine potential network saturation levels and capacities in a real-world use case. Please join @dhsscitech on Wednesday, January 27 from 1 to 2 p.m. ET for a chat to discuss the importance of building relationships with the state and local response community and learn about some of S&T’s ongoing partnerships testing video datacasting and LTE technologies. Submit your questions and comments before, during or after the chat and use the #STTechTalk hashtag to engage in the two-way discussion. Learn more about the January Twitter Chat.