By Cindy Gladden Record Staff Writer An online survey is the next step in development of a broadband network for first responders. FirstNet, the First Responder Network Authority, is in the process of developing a high-speed wireless broadband network specifically designed for first responders. Findings of the 9/11 Commission following the World Trade Center terrorist attacks revealed that communication was one of the biggest challenges to responders. Area first responders met July 9 to participate in the second of five scheduled meetings sponsored by the Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS). “You are at the head of the line,” said Bob Bloomberg, education and outreach coordinator for DPS. “You will not be competing with news organizations or others. FirstNet gives you priority.” Bloomberg said $7 billion has already been appropriated by Congress to add this system to existing communication towers used by commercial cell providers such as Verizon or AT&T. The goal of the second session was to familiarize area first responders with a mobile broadband survey online tool. Bloomberg said using first responders to spearhead the effort locally would be critical to obtaining the information needed to move forward with the project. “We want to acquaint attendees with the mobile broadband survey so they are comfortable with filling it out, then being a resource to other agencies,” said Bloomberg. First responders were asked to contact other local agencies to assist them in taking the online survey, then follow-up with the agency. Bloomberg hopes to have survey responses collected by the October meeting. Some of the components still to be determined in developing the system is the cost and how the program will be structured. Bloomberg said the FirstNet organization is in the process of hiring people to begin implementing the program. Firefighters, EMS, law enforcement and dispatch representatives will provide information regarding the types of equipment currently being used. But more importantly, representatives from FirstNet want to know what is working well and what could be improved. The next local meeting will be held Oct. 9 at the Boonslick Regional Planning Commission in Warrenton. DPS will report its findings from the mobile broadband survey. For more information, visit www.firstnet.gov.
Firstnet
