First Response won’t use FirstNet

[Commentary] The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) is designing a nationwide wireless broadband LTE network for use by public safety. “Public safety” specifically includes traditional first responders -- law enforcement, firefighting and emergency medical response. But “public safety” also includes other services such as electrical and water utilities, transportation and even building inspectors --having structures built to withstand hurricanes and earthquakes is definitely a “public safety” issue! In the FirstNet design process, we emphasize “first response”.

We’ve developed a number of scenarios for such responses, for example school shootings, SWAT team actions, home and apartment fires, automobile accidents with injuries, and so forth. We think about scenarios where first responders are racing to a scene, lights flashing and sirens blaring, and what information they’ll be pulling down wirelessly to their smartphones or tablet computers to support the response. While most of the first responders to such incidents use a public safety wireless network only sparingly, if at all, responders will make considerable use of FirstNet once the initial situation on the scene is stabilized. In the aftermath, 4G LTE networks, including FirstNet, will be invaluable to dispatch centers and incident commanders.

[Schrier is a former CTO City of Seattle now with Office of the Chief Information Office, State of Washington]