Congress repeals T-Band auction as part of massive funding bill with COVID-19 relief

Public-safety and business-industrial licensees with LMR systems on T-Band spectrum would be able to continue operating those networks, thanks to a scheduled auction of the airwaves being repealed as part of the massive federal funding legislation passed yesterday by Congress.

This reported $1.4 trillion funding measure, along with a $900 billion COVID-19 relief package, has been sent to President Donald Trump to sign into law. If Trump decides to veto the legislation, both the House and Senate appear to have the votes necessary to override a veto…

You can now text 911 in New Orleans when having an emergency, city officials say (LA)

New Orleans residents and visitors having emergencies can now talk to first responders by video when they call or text 911, thanks to a program city officials say will be a big help for people in crisis.

The Orleans Parish Communications District, which handles the city’s emergency dispatches and 911 calls, will also be able to better determine a person’s location using upgraded software from its private partner, Carbyne, a call handling platform…

NSW Telco Authority Launches Ten-Year Future-proof Operational Communications Plan for the Emergency Services

NSW Telco Authority Managing Director Kylie De Courteney said the Operational Communications Strategy 2020 (OCS 2020) is a blueprint for delivering data-enabled services to improve on-the-ground coordination and decision-making during emergencies when every second counts.

“Through the Government’s $600 million investment the Critical Communications Enhancement Program, we are building a single, interoperable Public Safety Network (PSN) to deliver statewide, mission-critical standard voice and narrowband data services”…

A quiet, steady communications revolution has radically improved response in public safety

In moments of crisis, quick action­ and modern technology­ are critical to successfully respond to emergency events. For front-line professionals to be impactful, they need communication systems that function well, enable broader coordination, and are interoperable. Often, critical events push technology to higher standards, and industry partners play an important role in delivering solutions to meet unforeseen needs. 

In the last 20 years, a quiet and steady communications revolution has been taking place; our service members and first responders are communicating with more speed, precision and unity than ever before in response to internal and external threats…