Yes – I am about to commit heresy. I say it without equivocation, mental reservation or moral hesitation. The push-to-talk radio as we know it faces extinction within 10 years. I see a bold new future for public safety communications that does not rely on private land mobile radio (LMR) networks. Call me crazy, but….
As in the days of Galileo, the answer lies in the heavens. Look to the sky for the next generation solution for public safety. Voice, video and data all going over a high-speed and secure satellite network. Gone are the days of bulky satellite phones, large antennas and heavy equipment. The power is in the bird – not the device. Chips as small as SIM cards will be integrated into all manner of device – cell phones, laptops, rugged handhelds and radios, command vehicles and patrol cars.
As I write this, yet another named storm (Gustav) bears down on the Gulf region. And yet again, the vast majority of our communications capability is land based, and ultimately tied to fixed infrastructure. The same infrastructure that was pummeled during Katrina, Wilma and Rita. The same infrastructure that failed in 60-70 9-1-1 call centers (many of which were never reconstituted).
The increased use of broadband networks has been the major reason there is a significant shift from traditional terrestrial radio systems. It used to be ‘if’ IP (Internet Protocol) would be used. Now it’s ‘when’. The NET 911 Act makes the move to IP for emergency calling a foregone conclusion – and it makes sense.
This is not to say there isn’t a place for the radio. However, public safety needs to become better educated consumers and demand standards and innovation that drives capability and drops price. In todays’ first responder environment, my good friend Captain Eddie Reyes with Alexandria, VA PD said it succinctly. It’s about “data, data, data”.
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