Challenges ID’d For Mobile Broadband Network

A federal examination of a proposed nationwide mobile broadband network for public safety has determined it will not support mission-critical voice communications for the foreseeable future, forcing agencies to continue using their separate—and non-interoperable—radio systems to handle everyday communications. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) completed the report at the request of Congress, and in their 62-page report released yesterday said there were many challenges to creating a broadband network—ensuring the network’s interoperability, reliability, and security; obtaining adequate funds to build and maintain it; and creating a governance structure. The GAO also focused on handheld radios, saying they often cost thousands of dollars because, “market competition is limited and manufacturing costs are high.” The GAO determined that, “Public safety agencies cannot exert buying power in relationship to device manufacturers, which may result in the agencies overpaying for LMR devices.” The GAO based its conclusions partly on interviews with officials from six of the 22 jurisdictions that were granted permission by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to begin deploying 700 MHz broadband systems. Download (pdf) the GAO’s full report.