State of Florida Wireless Leaders Explain Statewide Interoperability Opportunities and Roadblocks

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At a time of severe budgetary constraints, local-government stakeholders are working to do more with less and seeking to:

• consolidate existing propriety networks and applications into multipurpose, standards-based networks,
• develop projects that qualify for federal funding for specific applications such as public-safety interoperability and transportation, and
  
• focus on cost-saving, efficiency improving, and revenue-enhancing applications with high return on investment (ROI).

W2i believes a greater understanding of the role of states can facilitate local authorities' planning and funding efforts. States, in particular, have a vested interest in coaching local authorities to secure federal funding as well as in coordinating regional initiatives that expand broadband access. Moreover, in the past two years, W2i has watched a rise in the number of states now taking leadership on the broadband and digital-inclusion issue.

To facilitate a "top-to-bottom" dialog between federal, state and local wireless champions, in 2008 W2i launched a series of Digital Cities Joint State Briefings to bring together local authorities and state-level stakeholders. The first briefing was held in Tallahassee, Florida, on March 26, in cooperation with the State of Florida Department of Management Services. The next day-long session, co-hosted by W2i and the City of Riverside, California, is on May 13, 2008, and as part of the Inland Empire Technology Week.

In Tallahassee, directors from the Departments of Management Services and Law Enforcement as well as the Florida FCC Regional Planning Committee representative (Region 9) were invited to explore with W2i Executive Director Daniel Aghion the potential to support community broadband initiatives at the state level. Several federally driven policies and dollars are making their way into the marketplace, carrying the promise of a marked acceleration of network deployment, especially in support of public safety. What is the State's role in evaluating opportunities and administering funds?

In the audio recording of the panel, the speakers describe their oversight areas for statewide wireless, public safety and interoperability in the State of Florida:

• Ray Carlson, Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, and FCC Region 9 Chairperson spoke about his Regional Planning Committee's oversight of licensing for the 2100 Mhz, 700 Mhz and 4.9 Ghz bands and commented on the FCC's failed auction of the D Block of spectrum to create a national public-safety interoperability network.
  
• Victor Cullars, Public Safety Communications Consultant, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, explained the multi-level organizational structure of public-safety interoperability in the State and the vetting of local projects.
• Carlton Wells, Bureau Chief, Wireless Services, Florida Department of Management Services spoke about the gradual migration from radio to IP and his work with the Florida Interoperability Network (FIN) and Statewide Law Enforcement Radio Network (SLERS). He recommended the following reports:
• Interoperability Continuum: A Tool for Expanding Emergency Response Communications and Interoperability (DHS SAFECOM)
• Wireless Technologies and the SAFECOM SoR for Public Safety Communications (by Leonard E. Miller).
• Charles Ghini, Director of Telecommunication & Radio Services, Florida Department of Management Services, commented on the increasing role of IP and leveraging multiple networks during both emergency and nonemergency situations.