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PUBLIC SAFETY TECHNOLOGY WORK GROUP

CURRENTLY ON HIATUS PENDING THE OUTCOME OF THE NO NOISE TASK FORCE

Mission, Scope, Philosophy, and Goals

Chair: TBD
Vice Chair: TBD
Sponsor: John Foley, SBC
Co-Sponsor: Alan Perdue, SBC 

Mission:
Solve for in-building wireless dead zones and location accuracy challenges while protecting mission critical radio systems through proper RF system design and operation, technology innovation awareness, FCC Compliance, License Holder Engagement, Wireless Carrier Engagement, and collaboration with the AHJ community.

Scope and Philosophy:
In-building radio coverage is an extension of public safety radio macro networks. FCC rules require that the license holder maintain control of the performance of these networks and are the only entities authorized to permit rebroadcast of their licensed frequencies. It is critical that technically competent representatives of the license holders have active involvement in the deployment of ERRCS systems in their license areas to meet mission critical objects, prevent interference, and to partner with fire and building code officials to ensure adequate in-building coverage where mandated by code or ordinance.

 In addition to Part 90 PLMR radio systems, public safety agencies have for years augmented their communications capabilities using commercial cellular services provided by all the major US wireless carriers. With the advent of the Public Safety Broadband Network, more innovation and investment are being directed towards this technology, and the use of cellular technologies by public safety agencies is increasing. The Public Safety Technology Work Group will include within its scope both PLMR and Cellular services.

 As the wireless industry continues to evolve and innovate, new technologies are being deployed that will offer additional capabilities to public safety agencies and pose new challenges for implementation, interference management, and interoperability. These could include 5G, CBRS, sensor technologies, advanced location services, and the evolution of agile end-user devices capable of multiple technologies (like LMR, Cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.). The Public Safety Technology Work Group will include within its scope monitoring and adapting to the impact of public safety technology innovations.  

 The Public Safety Technology Work Group and the Codes and Standards Work Group mirror their respective stakeholders within jurisdictions. That is, jurisdictional radio system operators and fire and building code enforcement teams. These two SBC Work Groups will develop models that include best practices and cross-agency collaboration, and work to provide tools and resources for these agencies.

 The Methodology to use is:

  1. Get FCC License Holders involved through membership and active engagement.
  2. Ensure “one hand knows what the other hand is doing” within jurisdictions – meaning fostering great collaborative relationships between code officials and license holders.
  3. Actively determine and document best practices.
  4. Constantly engage and educate at the national, state and local level.
  5. Monitor and adapt to public safety wireless technology advances and innovation.
  6. Have regular interaction and collaboration with the SBC Codes and Standards Work Group to ensure that proposed fire code and industry standards are well-grounded in sound RF principles and affirmatively incorporate established FCC rules and other relevant rules and standards.

We are not accepting new members to this work group right now...

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