BRUSSELS, the 24th of May 2018 – Wireless broadband is transforming communications for emergency responders worldwide. Today, government leaders from more than 20 countries gathered to discuss their experiences, challenges, and solutions for deploying broadband networks to help first responders communicate.
The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority), in conjunction with Public Safety Communications Europe (PSCE), held the second annual International Public Safety Broadband Leaders forum for government executives in Belgium.
“Every Nation relies on public safety to keep their communities safe and secure, and communications is critical to that mission,” said FirstNet Authority CEO Mike Poth. “A global marketplace is opening for public safety broadband communications to the benefit of all emergency responders. We are pleased to advance that marketplace through government-to-government forums like this, which brings together international leaders to drive innovation for public safety in the U.S. and around the world.”
FirstNet is the first and only nationwide public safety broadband network in the United States being built through a public-private partnership. In 2017, FirstNet Authority organized the first International Public Safety Broadband forum for government leaders. The host of the forum alternates amongst participants, with this year’s meeting hosted by PSCE. PSCE is the coordinator of Broadway, the European Union’s joint procurement project to develop innovative technologies that will enable a pan-European Interoperable Broadband mobile system.
“PSCE is at the forefront in Europe to support the national Public Safety Responders organisations and has taken the lead for gathering and analyzing broadband needs and for coordinating the joint procurement of broadband mobile communications among an initial group of 11 EU Member States and their First Responders. This European platform will enhance the safety of our citizens,” said PSCE President Manfred Blaha.
“It is the perfect time for PSCE to co-host this international meeting as the BroadWay joint procurement project will start on the June 1. Together we will help to strengthen global cooperation between Public Safety organisations worldwide and provide a louder voice to investors, industry and standardization,” continued Manfred Blaha.
Key areas of discussion at this year’s forum include standards for public safety broadband, innovation, and the global public safety marketplace. Participants share best practices for procurement and acquisition strategies, program management, and network operations.
The number of nations developing dedicated broadband networks for public safety is growing rapidly to serve the tens of millions of personnel who provide public safety services globally. By understanding the global marketplace for public safety communications, governments will be able to leverage its presence to drive products and services for first responders.
About The First Responder Network Authority
The First Responder Network Authority is an independent authority within the U.S. Department of Commerce. Chartered in 2012, its mission is to ensure the building, deployment, and operation of the nationwide, broadband network that equips first responders to save lives and protect U.S. communities. Learn more at FirstNet.gov/mediakit and follow the First Responder Network Authority (@FirstNetGov) on Facebook and Twitter for updates.
About Public Safety Communications Europe
Public Safety Communication Europe is a permanent autonomous organisation, working to foster excellence in the development and use of public safety communication and information management systems by consensus building and bringing together public safety user organisations, industry and research institutes. PSCE was coordinator of the BroadMap project and is the coordinator of BroadWay.
For more information, contact Jean De Preter, +32 2 738 07 63 and follow us on Facebook and Twitter or visit PSCE website.
