march 2012 700 mhz broadband for mission critical public safety data a brief overview

March 2012

700 MHZ BROADBAND FOR MISSION CRITICAL PUBLIC SAFETY DATA

A BRIEF OVERVIEW

Working together to improve public safety interoperability…

Present State of Broadband in Canada

• Different technologies in use• Different systems in use• Not seamless ability for wireless broadband

nationwide• No Canada-U.S. harmonization• Thirst for public safety bandwidth increasing

exponentially• Industry Canada Consultation provides opportunity

to state public safety needs


The Issue• The allocation of 700MHz broadband spectrum

represents a once in a lifetime opportunity• If done correctly will enable mission critical data

communications for public safety for years to come• Having this ability directly impacts community and

responder safety, innovation and the health of Canada’s digital economy• Public safety’s voice must be heard — we need the

right tools to protect and save lives


Background• November 2010 – Industry Canada (IC) Minister announces

Spectrum Auction for late 2012• IC opened consultations on the 700 MHz broadband allocations

on November 30, 2010• Submission and rebuttal period in early 2011• August 2011 marked the transition from analog television to

digital in Canada, freeing up spectrum for potential use by public safety

• IC Minister Paradis announces on March 14, 2012 that 10 MHz will be allocated in Canada for “public safety use”

• Additional round of consultations expected summer 2012 on additional 10 MHz of spectrum (D Block)

• Canadian public safety professionals must have access to modern and reliable communications capabilities


In the U.S.• A similar analogue-to-digital TV transition was accomplished

in June 2009• The FCC had already licensed 10 MHz to the Public Safety

Spectrum Trust (PSST) - board comprised of IACP, IAFC, etc., see www.psst.org/index.jsp

• Collectively, U.S. public safety agencies fought for a second 10 MHz block in the critical band of 700 MHz spectrum known as the D Block

• On February 17, 2012, US Congress agreed to allocate the D Block to public safety (for a full 20 MHz) and support the development of a mission-critical, nationwide public safety broadband network

• Canadian responders now face the same challenge for the second 10 MHz

http://www.psst.org/index.jsp


Three Key Points• We applaud the Government of Canada’s commitment to designate 10 MHz of

spectrum in the 700 MHz band for public safety broadband use. It is an important first step. But in order to implement a nationwide network that can support mission-critical communications for our first responders, we need Industry Canada to take the second step. Canada's first responders need ubiquitous access to 20 MHz of spectrum.

• It is vitally important to our public safety and security requirements that we acquire a full 20 MHz allocation, just as the U.S. has decided to do. This is the amount of bandwidth we need to make effective use of modern communications tools during emergencies. Our case for the full 20 MHz of spectrum in response to realistic and frequent occurrences is proven and scientifically supported. 20 MHz of spectrum will improve the ability of emergency responders to protect communities and save lives.

• Governance of the 20 MHz of 700 MHz spectrum for public safety for broadband use must reside with public safety stakeholders. A dedicated national interoperable public safety broadband network under the stewardship of public safety will be inherently more reliable, more robust, more functional and more resilient than current public safety communications systems.


Why is this so important?• Today, Canadian public safety entities use existing

commercial networks for their data needs• Some 700 MHz narrow and wide band spectrum is

already dedicated to public safety in Canada for voice and some low speed data use

• However, securing dedicated spectrum for broadband applications for public safety will ensure wireless broadband networks can be built with the needs of public safety in mind moving forward, to “Mission Critical” requirements

• Take advantage of US/World standard LTE 4G


Why is this so important?• With advances in technology, Canadian agencies will

have an increasing need to access data and video networks during all emergency incidents

• Availability of such networks responds directly to the Canadian tri-services identified priorities of improved interoperability and integrated emergency management -- spectrum allocations are a key enabler for the creation of such a network

• Above all, Canadians will be safer if responders have the ability to provide services with the most up-to-date technology enabled by spectrum dedicated for public safety


ExampleFirefighters from New Brunswick asked by CIFFC to fly

to British Columbia (or California, or Australia) to help fight wildfires – the wireless device (future versions that are hardened & intrinsically safe)

immediately connects to the 700 MHz system in BC (or wherever), authenticates them as a public safety

user and gives them full BROADBAND access to mission critical data including GIS location tracking, situational awareness info about where the fires are

located (based on access to wireless sensors that have been deployed) and full topographical and /or

satellite maps.


ExampleParamedics are called to the scene of a mass casualty

event along the Washington State – British Columbia border. BC Incident Commanders quickly realize that they require assistance from their U.S. counterparts. They begin deploying wireless patient care telemetry

devices that connect via the 700 MHz Broadband network. Because the network was built using the

same spectrum and standards (LTE), the US responders can immediately get access the

information required (as authorized by previous governance and SOP’s) to successfully respond to

this joint operation.


ExamplePolice are called to an Active Shooter situation at a local

college. Based on broadband access to the 700 MHz network, they immediately deploy three teams into the school via three different entry points. 3D in-building location and

tracking devices (originally spearheaded by the fire community) allow team leaders, local Incident Commander

and HQ to be aware of each other’s location. They then access the IP based speaker/microphone system in the college, overlay sounds on the building floor plan, and

immediately identify victim/suspect location info. Fire and paramedic teams responding have (as authorized) access to

the data to begin planning their response.

Nationwide Broadband Network

• Benefits for Public Safety– A fully interoperable nationwide network– Saving resources through a coordinated system– Unlocking the potential of commercial devices and

infrastructure for public safety– Providing better performance and cost effectiveness

through innovation– Enhancing the public safety mission– Procurement savings through economies of scale


Potential Growth VisionPotential Growth Vision•Border and a

few major cities

•Major centres

•Regional solutions

•Major arteries

•Continentally Aligned


It sounds expensive…• Building and management of broadband networks across

the country can be achieved in collaboration with industry – possibly via P3 partnerships

• However, the licensing/control of the spectrum is critical and the key enabler

• Spectrum dedicated to public safety will dictate that industry build wireless broadband networks with the needs of public safety in mind

• By design, these networks would be inherently more reliable, more robust, more functional and more survivable — to a level that is expected and required to support emergency response operations

The Bottom Line

• Public safety agencies will continue to pay user fees to access the network – but now to new entity

• LTE Infrastructure/operations with P3 partnerships• Amend the Building Canada Fund to include

communications networks to help F/T/P/M agencies• Reduce or eliminate Industry Canada spectrum

licence(s) fees• Seek federal funding to help set up administrative

body (eventually self sustaining)• TBA — governance and business model work continues


Work of the Tri-Service Committee• Formulate a broad-based public safety response to

the public consultations on the use of the 700 MHz band

• Monitor and advise on the issue, inform stakeholders and identify responder spectrum needs and potential opportunities

• Engage with industry, public safety providers and different levels of government to put forward a position that makes sense for Canadian public safety and Canadians in general

• Deliver the written response to the consultations


Work of the Committee• Ensure that the spectrum needs of responders and

public safety in general are considered and accounted for• Enough spectrum to fulfil vision of a robust system of

interoperable networks that will benefit urban, suburban and rural responder agencies in Canada

• Alignment with U.S. with a view to a trans-continental vision

• Work with industry to help better define needs and future vision

• Advocate and work with others on a whole-of-government approach


What can YOU do about it?• Get informed and put this issue on your

organization’s radar• Inform your boards, municipalities,

provincial/territorial governments and other governing bodies that spectrum allocations will have a significant impact on public safety in Canada

• Work with tri-services colleagues and others to advocate a strong voice for public safety in advance of spectrum allocations

• Look for and act on mobilization information as it sent by CACP, CAFC, EMSCC and others


Call to Action!• Web site created by the Associations to provide a

focal point for communications efforts:

www.action700.ca(download basic information, including today’s media

release, and sign up for e-mail updates)• Call for volunteers — send e-mail to:

[email protected](we will need supporting letters, technical experts,

outreach, etc.)

march 2012 700 mhz broadband for mission critical public safety data a brief overview

Documents

public safety bandwidth

public safety needsworking

public safety agencies

public safety broadband

responder safety

broadband spectrum

spectrum auction

broadband allocations