Friday fragments - comms news from around the web for 12 September 2014

A round-up of the week's critical communications and public safety radio news for Friday, 12 September 2014.

Emergency radio trials on the Hume Highway. Tests are underway on a system that will override radio frequencies to deliver safety messages to drivers on the Hume Highway between Benalla and Seymour in Victoria.

APCO aims for app development. APCO is pushing for more collaboration between public-safety officials and developers of applications for smartphones and other devices. Mark Reddish, Government Relations Associate for APCO, told the FirstNet blog that “FirstNet and apps will have a huge impact on public safety… First responders will have access to new tools for training and better information during an emergency response; PSAPs will be able to coordinate resources more efficiently; and our communities will be safer. The key is getting public-safety professionals engaged and leveraging their expertise to ensure apps are effective."

It's all in the wrist action. The Manly Life Saving Club is trialling a wristband called Safe Mate that uses near-field technology to give first responders vital emergency information in the event of an accident. Surfers, swimmers and nippers can upload medical and contact information to a secure site; then, if the worst happens, the wristband can be scanned and the vital information immediately retrieved.

FirstNet gets new board members. Five members of the 12-member FirstNet board have been replaced, including two public-safety officials.

Fake phone towers discovered in the US. Popular Science magazine has reported on the discovery of fake mobile phone towers that can intercept calls. It's not yet known (or disclosed) who owns them. Some have been found situated next to military bases.

The ups and downs of tower stock. Investor website The Motley Fool has published an analysis of the financial position of American Tower, with reference also to SBA Communications and Crown Castle