December 18, 2003, Washington, DC - The Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International responded today to the Federal Communications Commission’'s (FCC) public notice initiating a proceeding on cognitive “smart” radio systems (ET Docket 03-108) released yesterday.
Smart radios have the potential to help address serious interoperability problems now facing many public safety users. However, the technology, if initiated prematurely or without sufficient safeguards, could also create dangerous interference to existing public safety systems. Thus, APCO International has grave concerns about any effort to rush smart radio technology to market, and urges the FCC to proceed with extreme caution.
“APCO continues to question the viability and reliability of such technology, but welcomes this Commission inquiry to gather further information,” APCO International President Vincent Stile said. “We encourage the FCC to explore these developing technologies, which may have the potential to improve public safety communications.”
The FCC suggests that smart radios might also provide public safety agencies with the ability to lease portions of their radio spectrum during “quiet periods,” and then reclaim it in emergency situations. As APCO International recently indicated in a separate proceeding, allowing public safety agencies to lease portions of their spectrum on a commercial basis could also lead to serious spectrum management problems.
“The feasibility and reliability of the technology that would make such leasing possible must also be very carefully reviewed in the FCC’'s current proceeding,” Stile said.
About APCO International
The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials - International, Inc. - is the world’'s oldest and largest not-for-profit professional organization dedicated to the enhancement of public safety communications.
With more than 16,000 members around the world, APCO International exists to serve the people who manage, operate, maintain, and supply the communications systems used to safeguard the lives and property of citizens everywhere.
More Information
Courtney McCarron
APCO
202.833.9600
mccarronc@apco911.org