December, 2010

December, 2010

700 MHZ BROADBAND FOR MISSION CRITICAL PUBLIC SAFETY DATA

A BRIEF OVERVIEW

Working together to improve public safety interoperability…

Present State of Broadband in Canada

• Different technologies in use• Different systems in use• Not seamless ability for wireless broadband

nationwide• No Canada-U.S. harmonization• Thirst for public safety bandwidth increasing

exponentially• Industry Canada Consultation provides opportunity

to state public safety needs


The Issue• The allocation of 700MHz broadband spectrum

represents a once in a lifetime opportunity• If done correctly will enable mission critical data

communications for public safety for years to come• Having this ability directly impacts community and

responder safety, innovation and the health of Canada’s digital economy

• Public safety’s voice must be heard — we need the right tools to protect and save lives


Background• August 2011 is scheduled to mark the transition from

analog television to digital, freeing up spectrum for potential use by public safety

• November 2010 – Industry Canada (IC) Minister announces Spectrum Auction for late 2012

• Many private and public agencies are vying for the additional (and very valuable) spectrum

• IC opened consultations on the 700 MHz broadband allocations on November 30th, 2010

• Canadian public safety professionals must have access to modern and reliable communications capabilities


In the U.S.• A similar analogue-to-digital TV transition was

accomplished in June, 2009• The FCC has already licensed 10 MHz to the Public Safety

Spectrum Trust (PSST) - board comprised of IACP, IAFC, etc., see www.psst.org/index.jsp

• Collectively, U.S. public safety agencies are now fighting for a second 10 MHz block in the critical band of 700 MHz spectrum known as the D Block

• Bill in Senate proposes assigning D Block for public safety use, but commercial carriers are pushing for auction

• Canadian responders may face the same challenge

http://www.psst.org/index.jsp

Nine major public safety organizations along with major telecommunications companies have been working to influence Congress & FCC to reallocate the D Block and add it to the PSST license

Creating a 10+10 MHz block of broadband public safety spectrum

APCO, IACP, IAFC, MCC, MFC, NSA, MCSA, NENA, NEMA

FCC recommended to auction the D block in the broadband report to Congress on March 17Rockefeller Bill – D Block back to PS; $6B in funding

C11 MHz

C11 MHz

1 1 1 1 1 1D5 MHz

PSST5 MHz

D5 MHz

PSST5 MHz

NB3

NB3

NB3

NB3

746 MHz 806 MHzBase Transmit, Mobile Receive Mobile Transmit, Base Receive

Verizon LTEAuctionor PSST PSST

Public Safety

Verizon LTEAuctionor PSST PSST

Public Safety

60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69

US Public safety organizations intend to keep pressing Congress / White House to reallocate the D Block

700 MHz Broadband Landscape in the US

APCO / NPSTC / PSST

Endorsed LTE for Public Safety

State & Local Governments Requesting Waivers21 waiver requests

Grant Dollars Awarded for their LTE System Proposals Aug 2010

Agency Date Filed with FCC

State of New Jersey 4/3/09

City and County of San Francisco, City of Oakland & City of San Jose 5/27/09

City of Boston 5/28/09

City of New York 6/8/09

District of Columbia 6/26/09

State of New York 6/30/09

State of AlabamaWisconsin Consortium

Chesapeake, VA 7/8/09

City of San Antonio, TX 7/10/09

State of New Mexico 7/10/09

City of Charlotte, NC 8/4/09

City of Mesa, AZState of Oregon

Iowa Statewide Interoperable Communications Systems Board 10/15/09

Hawaii Petitioners 8/19/09

City of Pembroke Pines, FL 9/4/09

Los Angeles Regional Interop. Comm. System 9/18/09

Adams County, CO (and Denver Int’l Airport) 9/17/09

City of Seattle, WA 1/15/10

State of Mississippi 3/22/10

Historic opportunity for Continental Vision to create public safety “mission critical data” system of systems across Canada, US and

beyond.

San Francisco $50MSt of Mississippi $70MCity of Charlotte $16MState of New Jersey $39MState of New Mexico $39M

700 MHz Broadband Landscape in the US


Why is this so important?• Today, Canadian public safety entities use existing

commercial networks for their data needs• Some 700 MHz narrow and wide band spectrum is

already dedicated to public safety in Canada for voice and some low speed data use

• However, securing dedicated spectrum for broadband applications for public safety will ensure wireless broadband networks can be built with the needs of public safety in mind moving forward, to “Mission Critical” requirements

• Take advantage of US/World standard LTE 4G


Why is this so important?• With advances in technology, Canadian agencies will have

an increasing need to access data and video networks during all emergency incidents

• Availability of such networks responds directly to the Canadian tri-services identified priorities of improved interoperability and integrated emergency management -- spectrum allocations are a key enabler for the creation of such a network

• Above all, Canadians will be safer if responders have the ability to provide services with the most up-to-date technology enabled by spectrum dedicated for public safety


ExampleFirefighters from New Brunswick asked by CIFFC to fly to

British Columbia (or California, or Australia) to help fight wildfires – the wireless device (future versions that are hardened & intrinsically safe) immediately

connects to the 700 MHz system in BC (or wherever), authenticates them as a public safety user and gives them full BROADBAND access to mission critical data including GIS location tracking, situational awareness

info about where the fires are located (based on access to wireless sensors that have been deployed)

and full topographical and /or satellite maps.


ExampleParamedics are called to the scene of a mass casualty event along the Washington State – British Columbia border. BC Incident Commanders quickly realize that they require assistance from their U.S. counterparts. They begin deploying wireless patient care telemetry

devices that connect via the 700 MHz Broadband network. Because the network was built using the

same spectrum and standards (LTE), the US responders can immediately get access the information required (as authorized by previous governance and SOP’s) to

successfully respond to this joint operation.


ExamplePolice are called to an Active Shooter situation at a local

college. Based on broadband access to the 700 MHz network, they immediately deploy three teams into the school via three different entry points. 3D in-building location and

tracking devices (originally spearheaded by the fire community) allow team leaders, local Incident Commander

and HQ to be aware of each other’s location. They then access the IP based speaker/microphone system in the college, overlay sounds on the building floor plan, and

immediately identify victim/suspect location info. Fire and paramedic teams responding have (as authorized) access to

the data to begin planning their response.


It sounds expensive…• Building and management of broadband networks across the

country can be achieved in collaboration with industry – possibly via P3 partnerships

• However, the licensing/control of the spectrum is critical and the key enabler

• Spectrum dedicated to public safety will dictate that industry build wireless broadband networks with the needs of public safety in mind

• By design, these networks would be inherently more reliable, more robust, more functional and more survivable — to a level that is expected and required to support emergency response operations


A Trans-Continental Vision• 125 Years ago some good folks got around a table and created a

vision for a Trans-Canada railway system• Many years later, other visionaries began the process of building a

Trans-Canada highway system• Not suggesting responder agencies, or even Federal, Provincial,

Territorial governments must build the railway or roadway, only that public safety own the “right of way” or spectrum across Canada

• Further, that this spectrum be harmonized with the U.S. and internationally

• Finally, by using the internationally accepted cellular standard of LTE, we can create a Trans-Continental system of systems for Mission Critical Public Safety data requirement for the next century


Current Work• The Chiefs’ Associations (CACP, CAFC, EMSCC) are advocating a

whole-of-government approach (i.e., all levels of government involved in public safety, similar to the approach taken on the National Strategy Communications Interoperability by Public Safety Canada)

• In addition to responder needs, governments at all levels will need to access secure and reliable data networks coordinate response to daily incidents, planned events , Emergency Management and Border Security operations

• Future networks must be built with public safety requirements in mind - – likely starting in major urban centres and then ever expanding “systems of systems” across Canadian communities, along major highways and border regions


Current Work• The leaders of police, fire and EMS agencies across the

country are joining together to develop a common position on the issue

• A Tri-Services Special Purpose Committee on Mission Critical 700 MHz Broadband for Public Safety Data was created to provide research, monitor key activities and advise on the issue

• An independent study is being completed to help gain a better understanding of the issue

• Jointly, CACP, CAFC and EMSCC are working to raise awareness about the issue


Work of the Tri-Service Committee• Formulate a broad-based public safety response to the

public consultations on the use of the 700 MHz band• Monitor and advise on the issue, inform stakeholders

and identify responder spectrum needs and potential opportunities

• Engage with industry, public safety providers and different levels of government to put forward a position that makes sense for Canadian public safety and Canadians in general

• Deliver the written response for the consultation


Work of the Committee• Ensure that the spectrum needs of responders and public

safety in general are considered and accounted for• Enough spectrum to fulfil vision of a robust system of

interoperable networks that will benefit urban, suburban and rural responder agencies in Canada

• Alignment with U.S. with a view to a trans-continental vision

• Work with industry to help better define needs and future vision

• Advocate and work with others on a whole-of-government approach


Potential Growth Vision• Border and a

few major cities

• Major centres

• Regional solutions

• Major arteries

• Continentally Aligned


What can YOU do about it?• Get informed and put this issue on your organization’s

radar• Inform your boards, municipalities, provincial/territorial

governments and other governing bodies that spectrum allocations will have a significant impact on public safety in Canada

• Work with tri-services colleagues and others to advocate a strong voice for public safety in advance of spectrum allocations

• Look for and act on mobilization information as it sent by CACP, CAFC, EMSCC and others


Call to Action!• Web site created by the Associations to provide a

focal point for communications efforts:

www.action700.ca(download basic information, including today’s media

release, and sign up for e-mail updates)• Call for volunteers — send e-mail to:

[email protected](we will need supporting letters, technical experts,

outreach, etc.)


Tri-Service Committee Next Steps• Reach out to all levels of government, public

safety agencies and industry• Engage experts to look at the future spectrum

needs of public safety• Create an awareness and mobilization

campaign• Ensure a comprehensive submission to

Industry Canada that clearly outlines public safety needs by February 28, 2011

December, 2010

Documents

Transcript of December, 2010