Today, U.S. Representative Kathy Castor, Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor and other local police and firefighters announced the culmination of a ten-year effort to improve public safety communications nationwide with the adoption of a dedicated broadband network.  Joining them was Pam Montanari, the Radio and Data Systems Manager for Pinellas County and the Regional Chair of Interoperability for the Tampa Bay region.  The new, national communications system dedicated to public safety was advocated by the 9/11 Commission following the communications struggles in the wake of the terrorist attacks in 2001.

“On September 11, 2001, firefighters, police officers and other first responders in New York City answered the call to service just like any one of our brave firefighters here in this station would do today,” Castor said.  “Unfortunately, at times, our communications system failed them as they were doing their job.  God forbid another event like that should happen again, but America is now on track to fulfill the 9/11 Commission recommendation and be more prepared.”

“Here in Florida, we value our first responders, particularly in a state subject to hurricanes and with many high-profile events” Castor said.  “Our police officers and firefighters put their lives on the line every day.  It is vital that local public safety officers have the tools they need in times of emergency.”

The culmination of the years of effort to dedicate a uniform, public safety communications platform was achieved through passage of H.R.3630, the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 a couple of weeks ago.  In the new law, Congress directed allocation of the “D Block” to public safety, and the funds to do it.  The "D Block" allows law enforcement and public safety officials to transmit all data wirelessly, including voice, video, and radio.  H.R. 3630 also created an independent agency within National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) known as the First Responder Network Authority, or FirstNet, to oversee and manage the network. 

“The September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks exposed problems with radios and emphasized the critical need to improve interoperable communications,” Rep. Castor continued.  “Today we are fulfilling the recommendation of the 9/11 Commission and allocating part of the wireless broadband spectrum to public safety, while also investing in Next Generation 9-1-1 systems and upgraded call centers.”

“Here in Tampa we have been working toward interoperability for years.  We are hosting one of only 4 expected Secret Service designated National Special Security Events this year,” Chief Castor said.  “For high profile events like this and the untold number of unpredictable emergencies, we need a sophisticated and dedicated communications network to allow law enforcement, fire, and other public safety officials to communicate instantaneously.”

“In our present wireless world there is no priority for public safety data,” Montanari concluded.  “This investment allows for public safety to tie into its own dedicated network to keep those who keep us safe safer.”