Group Now Supports Nationwide Radio Network

A national public safety communications group has voted to endorse the concept of a single, nationwide broadband network, instead of a so-called “network of networks,” saying a unified system would avoid duplication, overbuilding and unnecessary expense. The National Public Safety Telecommunications Council (NPSTC) voted earlier this month to back the nationwide network concept for building a future communications system for first responders and public safety comm centers. The group said the network-of-networks concept would require roaming, roaming agreements, separate subscriber fees, upgrade issues and other system incompatibilities. On the other hand, a nationwide network would have a consistent roaming procedure and fees, upgrades would be made nationally and there would be just a single user agreement shared among agencies. NPSTC has posted information (pdf) about its concept, including a press release, a slide presentation, a position paper, and conceptual drawings.