IAFC Joins Other Public Safety Organizations in Filing Comments re: NextNav’s petition
On November 13, the IAFC, along with the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO) and the National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA), submitted comments in response to NextNav’s petition to access and reform the rules of the lower 900 GHz band. The IAFC and its allies recognized that NextNav is a leader in providing the location of a 9-1-1 caller in a building and their work ascertaining the location of first responders in buildings. However, NextNav’s petition presented a number of concerns. Evidence from recent reports showed that, if NextNav were allowed to proceed, the following could be impacted: man-down systems/solutions; Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) systems; Internet of Things wildfire sensing and wind profile radars; preemption of traffic signals; automatic utility gas/electric shut off capabilities; and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. There also is concern that Next Nav would lease the spectrum on the lower 900 MHz band to the commercial cellular carriers. This increased use of spectrum might interfere with life safety systems.
IAFC files comments supporting the Safer Building Coalition’s signal booster petition
On November 17, the IAFC submitted comments in support of the Safer Building Coalition’s (SBC) petition to change the rules for part 90 signal boosters. The last time that signal booster rules were updated was more than ten years ago. Signal boosters help bridge the gap when there are lapses with radio communications, and they are essential for public safety communications.
The problem of improperly deployed signal boosters is being seen by public safety agencies all over the country. It causes unnecessary interference and impedes our lifesaving operations. The IAFC believes that the framework laid out by the SBC will lead to an increase in successful signal booster deployments. It will solve most of the present outstanding problems, and it will give signal booster license holders and authorities more defined jurisdiction guidelines.