Groups Unite for NextGen Broadband Technology

A group of 30 public safety, education and service organizations has formed a consortium to share information and seek funding to deploy broadband technology for communications. The Next Generation Safety Consortium (NGSC) will help, “raise awareness and demonstrate the significant benefits of broadband for emergency response,” the group said in a press release. Among the member groups is NENA, and its president Brian Fontes explained that broadband has “empowered millions of consumers and businesses across the county. The same revolution is needed in the world of 9-1-1 and emergency response.” Several government agencies have also joined the group, including from Minnesota, Texas, Washington, Alabama, Indiana, South Dakota and Montana. As a first step, on behalf of the group NENA will submit a broadband proposal to the NTIA. Find more information at the group’s Web site.