The Hill News

Several weeks ago the distinguished Chairmen of the 9/11 Commission, Lee Hamilton and Thomas Kean, offered a stark warning to Congress, “The inability of first responders to communicate with each other was a critical failure on 9/11 … [that caused] needless loss of life.”

The only realistic option for helping prevent a repeat of that horrific experience is for Congress to move quickly on legislation that will enable a national broadband network for emergency services by reallocating a portion of the nation’s radio spectrum, specifically the 10 MHz D Block (758-763 MHz and 788-793 MHz) to public safety. Virtually every first responder organization has endorsed this option, including the Fraternal Order of Police and International Association of Fire Chiefs.

This public safety broadband network would enable first responders to seamlessly communicate with one another across the country. That is something that has been elusive in the past. There! is a path forward before the nation now.

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