Public Safety

Overview

Scope

The scope of the Public Safety Communications Working Group encompasses public policy issues related to the role of public safety communications in homeland security and natural disasters.

Charter

The Public Safety Communications Working Group will provide TIA members with the opportunity to participate in efforts to educate and inform members of Congress and key policymakers on matters relating to the role of public safety communications in homeland security. The Working Group will also serve as an industry resource to the Department of Homeland Security and other relevant organizations.

Mission

The mission of the Public Safety Communications Working Group is to work with Congress, the Administration and other federal agencies. The mission includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Become a trusted adviser to the government on issues relating to the importance of wireless communications for first responders and other public safety officials.
• Provide information and advice relating to the issue of communications interoperability and integration and how it can be achieved for public safety.
• Provide information on standards for digital wireless communications products and systems.
• Where appropriate, support government initiatives, such as the SAFECOM Program in the Department of Homeland Security.
• Advocate appropriate efficiency incentives and targeted federal funding for public safety communications.

Recent Activity

• TIA files Comments with the FCC Urging that the Freeze on New or Expanded Operations in the 470-512 MHz (T-Band) Spectrum be Lifted, May 14, 2013
• Ex Parte on 700 MHz Public Safety Broadband NPRM & Band 14 Device approval,  March 25 2013
• Facilitating the Deployment of Text-to-911 and Other Next Generation 911 Applications, March 11, 2013
• Joint TIA-ATIS comments -  Facilitating the Deployment of Text-to-911 and Other Next Generation 911 Applications, February 8, 2013
• Letter to First Net board members regarding standards, February 5, 2013
• Accessible Emergency Information, and Apparatus Requirements for Emergency Information, December 18, 2012
• Framework for Next Generation 9-1-1 Deployment, December 13, 2012
• Ex Parte on Text to 9-1-1, Dec 3, 2012
• Comments for FirstNet,  Notice of Inquiry on FirstNet Conceptual Network Architecture, November 9, 2012
• TIA Comment on Location Accuracy for 9-1-1, July 5, 2012
• 9-1-1 Resiliency and Reliability in the Wake of June 29, 2012 Derecho Storm in Central, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeastern United States, August 12, 2012
• Promotion of Spectrum Efficient Technologies on Certain Part 90 Frequencies, May 21, 2012
• Congressional letter – First Responder communications research and development,  May 9 2012
• Transition Process for 700 MHz Public Safety Broadband Waiver Recipients, April 20, 2012
• Letter to NTIA on First Responder Network Authority’s Deployment and Administration of the Future Public Safety Broadband Network, April 19 2012