Comms leaders hold public safety broadband talks

Government leaders from more than 20 countries have gathered in Belgium to discuss wireless broadband and its application for emergency responders around the world.

This is the second annual International Public Safety Broadband Leaders forum for government executives, held by First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority), in conjunction with Public Safety Communications Europe (PSCE).

Key areas of discussion at this year’s forum include standards for public safety broadband, innovation and the global public safety marketplace. Participants shared best practices for procurement and acquisition strategies, program management and network operations.

“Every nation relies on public safety to keep their communities safe and secure, and communications is critical to that mission,” said FirstNet Authority CEO Mike Poth.

“A global marketplace is opening for public safety broadband communications to the benefit of all emergency responders. We are pleased to advance that marketplace through government-to-government forums like this, which brings together international leaders to drive innovation for public safety in the US and around the world.”

FirstNet is the first and only nationwide public safety broadband network in the United States being built through a public-private partnership. In 2017, FirstNet Authority organised the first International Public Safety Broadband forum for government leaders. The host of the forum alternates among participants, with this year’s meeting hosted by PSCE. PSCE is the coordinator of BroadWay, the European Union’s joint procurement project to develop innovative technologies that will enable a pan-European Interoperable Broadband mobile system.

“PSCE is at the forefront in Europe to support the national public safety responders’ organisations and has taken the lead for gathering and analysing broadband needs and for coordinating the joint procurement of broadband mobile communications among an initial group of 11 EU member states and their first responders. This European platform will enhance the safety of our citizens,” said PSCE President Manfred Blaha.

“It is the perfect time for PSCE to co-host this international meeting as the BroadWay joint procurement project will start on 1 June. Together we will help to strengthen global cooperation between public safety organisations worldwide and provide a louder voice to investors, industry and standardisation.”

The number of nations developing dedicated broadband networks for public safety is growing rapidly to serve the tens of millions of personnel who provide public safety services globally. By understanding the global marketplace for public safety communications, governments will be able to leverage its presence to drive products and services for first responders.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/bluraz

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