From CFSI Executive Director Bill Webb: For the past 16 years, ever since I became Executive Director, I have had a dilettante’s understanding of the need for additional broadcast spectrum for public safety. I use the term “dilettante” because one needs to have been in an emergency situation to truly understand the dangers experienced by first responders as a result inoperable communication systems. I have not, nor for that matter have most of our elected leaders. So when I hear fire officials testify on Capitol Hill about the need for additional spectrum and how this additional spectrum can enhance communication systems for our first responders, I value their testimony above all others.

In recent months, public safety has been well represented in congressional hearings addressing proposals for a national broadband communication system. The uniforms worn by these officials convey a sense of credibility on the subject matter. The D Block, as articulated by these expert panelists, is not a want; it’s a genuine need. We have reached a critical juncture in the ongoing battle to secure additional spectrum for public safety and now is the time for individual fire service leaders to get engaged.

Although the Obama Administration is now on board the D Block bandwagon in support of public safety, we have many more hurdles to clear before reaching the finish line of this protracted campaign. Legislation is required to prevent the Federal Communications Commission from auctioning the spectrum in the D block for commercial uses. If the auction occurs, public safety will have a difficult time building a reliable and secured nationwide interoperable public safety broadband network that will enable first responders access to time-critical data during large-scale emergencies. Read the entire article here.