A National Interoperable Broadband Network For Public Safety

In 2018, law enforcement agencies gained access to a federally funded and managed, interoperable first responder broadband communications network, the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (NPSBN), known as FirstNet. FirstNet was supposed to result in simple solutions for agencies seeking interoperability. For various reasons, this has not happened. Every law enforcement and first responder agency has legacy systems and equipment for mobile broadband uses and is faced with a complex set of decisions about its broadband communications infrastructure. Several competitors to FirstNet have emerged and are competing for a share of the public safety broadband market, causing confusion for end users. In addition, to make decisions regarding broadband communications systems, many agencies need assistance to understand the technical differences between various options. To address the dizzying array of providers, capabilities, and options for the future, RAND researchers developed practical knowledge to inform agencies about available broadband options and opportunities, governance issues, funding options, costs, and barriers to implementation. This report is intended to help law enforcement executives, their staff, and their city or county communications technology providers chart a course forward that optimizes the systems they have now while better integrating technologies for enhanced interoperability.

Effective emergency response is dependent on wireless communications. To minimize communications failures during and after a crisis requires ongoing improvements in emergencycommunications capacity and capability. The availability of radio frequency spectrum is considered essential to developing a modern, interoperable communications network for public safety. Equally critical is building the radio network to use this spectrum. Contents of this report: (1) The Issues Before Congress; (2) Proposals for Spectrum Assignment: Broadband Plans and the D Block; (3) Providing Structure: Funding: Governance; Concept; (4) Conclusion: Models for Change. Charts and tables.