Trends in public-safety networks
Blue-light services need to fall in line with the wider information society
key fact
Public-safety organisations are increasingly expected – by their personnel and the public – to embrace mobility. The always-on, instant access culture that is seen in our consumer services, is extending to the emergency services.
Public-safety organisations are increasingly expected – by their personnel and the public – to embrace mobility. The always-on, instant access culture that is seen in our consumer services, is extending to the emergency services. And while traditional voice is still critically important, data and multimedia applications can be used to enhance the effectiveness of blue-light organisations.
This white paper looks at the need for mobile broadband services and the need to access the spectrum that enables these services to operate. It also considers the commercial options for publics-safety radio, and weighs up the benefits and risks of private and public networks.
It concludes by noting that although traditional narrowband services will continue to be important for years to come, the long-term goal for public-safety users is to make mission-critical services work on cellular networks.