by AllThingsECC.com | Jul 2, 2020 | Articles, Comm Center News
This week’s Advocate opens with a discussion of a recent article in Urgent Communications based on statements made by the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau. “FCC officials are taking a new approach to public-safety spectrum policy, abandoning exclusive-use airwaves in favor of multi-purpose broadband frequencies that can be leveraged to support wireless communications for both first responders and the general public, according to an FCC official.”
Next we will look toward the future of public-safety communications as I believe they will evolve from today to where it might be later in the 25-year FirstNet contract for network build-out and management services…
by AllThingsECC.com | Jul 2, 2020 | Comm Center News
America’s 9-1-1 community is energized and encouraged by the U.S. House of Representatives’ vote this week to create a new $12 billion federal grant program to upgrade America’s 9-1-1 centers to Next Generation 9-1-1.
The grant program was included in H.R. 2, the Moving Forward Act, a package of federal transportation and infrastructure bills, which was approved by the House on Wednesday. If enacted, the program will help 9-1-1 agencies across the nation accelerate the deployment of Next Generation 9-1-1 systems that can better withstand disasters and cyberattacks, push and pull data from smartphones and sensors, and better locate wireless callers…
by AllThingsECC.com | Jul 2, 2020 | Articles, Comm Center News
Studies show that ECC telecommunicators are faced with higher levels of stress than ever with insufficient resources to handle them.
In the course of your responsibilities as a 9-1-1 call taker or emergency dispatcher, have you ever experienced physical or emotional effects such as a fast heart rate, clammy palms, thinking about calls after work, trouble sleeping, or avoiding calls or friends?
by ECC Editor | Jul 2, 2020 | Comm Center News
MOREHEAD CITY — Carteret County Emergency Communications Director Brandy Osborne said Wednesday the number of accidental 911 calls the center received last weekend topped 300, double that of the same time last year.
She encouraged residents and visitors to avoid the accidental calls, but if they do mistakenly call 911, “Just stay on the line and let the dispatcher know you are OK,” she said. “You are not in trouble, but our main concern is that you are safe… READ MORE
by AllThingsECC.com | Jul 2, 2020 | Comm Center News
ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Maryland’s first responders are getting a major boost in their wireless communications with the addition of new, purpose-built FirstNet cell sites and other network enhancements statewide. This new infrastructure is a part of the FirstNet network expansion taking place across the state, bringing increased coverage, capacity and capabilities for public safety.
“I am excited to see FirstNet expanding coverage and tower sites in the state of Maryland,” said Pete Landon, director, Maryland Governor’s Office of Homeland Security…
by AllThingsECC.com | Jul 2, 2020 | Comm Center News
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — People can’t “drop a dime” to police to report criminals anymore. Payphones are things of the past.
Instead, the Little Rock Police Department wants people to drop them a line to their dedicated inbox to report fireworks violations in the city.
“We want to make sure that people are aware that whenever they are experiencing fireworks in their neighborhood, we want them to report them via email instead of inundating our call…
