WASHINGTON — Government papers suggest the development of a wireless service capable of synchronizing public safety communications nationwide.
The Department of Homeland Security’s Security Science and Technology Directorate’s $80M research opportunity’s aim is to equip authorities and first responders with data and video transmission capabilities during crises, according to NextGov.
The 18-month project will establish “the ability to seamlessly roam from public safety networks, commercial networks and [land mobile radio] networks,” DHS officials said, while also “connecting users operating on different networks.” Public safety officials currently lack an interconnected network for relaying critical messages in a timely manner during disasters, NextGov said.
Research will focus on providing first responders high-speed internet for land mobile radios, emergency broadband data and video services that can interact with commercial smartphones and remotely control emergency communications devices.