WASHINGTON - The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International today applauded the recommendations of the Independent Panel Reviewing the Impact of Hurricane Katrina on Communications Networks to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

"APCO International is pleased with the recommendations of the Katrina Panel to improve first responder operable and interoperable communication and we look forward to working with the FCC and other parties to help implement the Panel's recommendations," APCO International President Wanda McCarley said.  "Among other positive recommendations in the Panel's report, we support the recommendation to expeditiously approve broadcaster's requests to terminate analog service in the 700 MHz band before the end of the digital television transition in 2009 in order to allow public safety users immediate access to this spectrum." 

Visit http://www.apcointl.org/government/PDF/FCCFinalKatrinaReport.pdf to view the report.

About APCO International
The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International is the world's oldest and largest professional organization dedicated to the enhancement of public safety communications.  APCO International serves the professional needs of its 15,000 members worldwide by creating a platform for setting professional standards, addressing professional issues and providing education, products and services for people who manage, operate, maintain and supply the communications systems used by police, fire and emergency medical dispatch agencies throughout the world.  For more information, visit www.apcointl.org.