1. FCC EXPLORES USE OF EMERGENCY AERIAL COMMUNICATIONS TO ENABLE QUICK RESTORATION OF COMMUNICATIONS FOR FIRST RESPONDERS, OFFICIALS, AND THE PUBLIC AFTER A MAJOR DISASTER STRIKES
Deployable Aerial Communications Architecture (DACA) Notice of Inquiry Adopted
Washington, D.C. – Today, the Federal Communications Commission adopted a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) to explore the use of Deployable Aerial Communications Architecture (DACA) technologies. DACA technologies are aerial technologies such as unmanned aerial vehicles, weather balloons or existing aircraft that could provide emergency communications during or immediately after a major disaster, when terrestrial communications infrastructures may be damaged or disrupted.
“During a disaster, when the terrestrial infrastructure is unavailable, DACA technologies could provide emergency communications to first responders and possibly civilians” noted David Furth, Acting Chief of the FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau. “Ideally, DACA technologies could be deployed rapidly to the scene of a major disaster and enable immediate and continuous communications using the devices that first responders and other users carry with them every day until the infrastructure is restored.”
Federal, state, and local governments are constantly working to improve their emergency communications capabilities when a disaster strikes. Yet there remains a gap during the first 72 hours after a catastrophic event when communications may be disrupted or completely disabled due to damaged facilities, widespread power outages, and lack of access by restoration crews into the affected area. DACA could provide temporary emergency communications to emergency management officials, first responders, critical infrastructure industry personnel, and the public to use their day-to-day communications devices seamlessly during and immediately after an emergency. Most significant, the use of DACA to ensure quick restoration of emergency communications could save lives.
In its Notice of Inquiry, the Commission seeks comment on:
• the deployment and operation of DACA technologies;
• the associated costs and benefits;
• coordinating and managing the use of DACA technologies; and
• authorizing the use of spectrum to support their operation.
The Notice of Inquiry also addresses DACA system performance issues, including questions on coverage area, capacity, interference mitigation, and interoperability.
Public comments are due 40 days from publication in the Federal Register, and reply comments are due 60 days from publication.
Action by the Commission May 24, 2012 by Notice of Inquiry (FCC 12-53). Chairman Genachowski, Commissioners McDowell, Clyburn, Rosenworcel and Pai. Separate statements issued by Chairman Genachowski, Commissioners McDowell, Clyburn, Rosenworcel and Pai.
For further information, contact Jennifer A, Manner, Deputy Chief, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau at (202) 418-3619 or jennifer.manner@fcc.gov.
2. Attention users of 4.9 GHz - FCC ANNOUNCES TENTATIVE AGENDA FOR JUNE OPEN MEETING.
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-314259A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-314259A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-314259A1.txt
3. In the news:
Who Will Help Set Up the National Public Safety Network?
http://www.govtech.com/public-safety/Set-Up-the-National-Public-Safety-Network.html
Space Data and Partners Respond to FCC Communications Disaster Needs
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/space-data-and-partners-respond-to-fcc-communications-disaster-needs-2012-05-24
Obama Directive Orders More Mobile in Government
http://www.wirelessweek.com/News/2012/05/obama-directive-more-mobile-in-government/
TSA shifting its focus toward Apple devices
http://www.gsnmagazine.com/node/26426
4. Mark your calendars for August 16th, 2012 for a multi-state workshop on Public/Private Situational Awareness and Information Sharing
On August 16, 2012, in McLean, Virginia, the All Hazards Consortium, the Department of Homeland Security Science and the Technology Directorate's Office of First Responder Programs, and MITRE will co-host a multi-state and regional workshop focused on Situational Awareness and Information Sharing between public and private sectors during natural and man-made disasters.
This public/private workshop will develop a "shared perspective" on the broad topic of "Situational Awareness" encompassing information sharing, data sharing standards, and visualization of data approaches to be used going forward within the mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions.
Watch the All Hazards Consortium website for more details.
