npstc discusses current events in the public safety community

NPSTC is a federation of organizations whose mission is to improvepublic safety communications and interoperability through collaborative leadership.

NPSTC Discusses

Current Events in the Public Safety Current Events in the Public Safety CommunityCommunity

IWCE 2011Wednesday – March 9, 2011 – 11:00 AM

Moderators – Ralph Haller Panelists – Marilyn Ward, David Buchanan, Harlin McEwen, Andy Thiessen,

and Joe Ross


WelcomeWelcomeRalph Haller, NPSTC Chairman

NPSTC is a federation of organizations whose mission is to improve public safety communications and interoperability through collaborative leadership. 3

NPSTC Mission StatementNPSTC Mission Statement

NPSTC is a federation of organizations

whose mission is to improve public safety

communications and interoperability

through collaborative leadership.


NPSTC Member OrganizationsNPSTC Member Organizations

Member Organizations:• American Association of State Highway and

Transportation Officials• American Radio Relay League• Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies• Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials –

International• Forestry Conservation Communications Association• International Association of Chiefs of Police• International Association of Emergency Managers• International Association of Fire Chiefs• International Municipal Signal Association• National Association of State Chief Information Officers• National Association of State Emergency Medical

Services Officials• National Association of State Foresters• National Association of State Telecommunications

Directors• National Emergency Number Association• National Sheriffs’ Association

Associate Members:• Canadian Interoperability Technology Interest Group• National Council of State Wide Interoperability Coordinators• Telecommunications Industry Association• Utilities Telecom Council

Liaison Organizations:• Federal Communications Commission• Federal Emergency Management Agency• Federal Partnership for Interoperable Communications• National Telecommunications and Information Administration• Office of Emergency Communications• Office of Interoperability & Compatibility• SAFECOM• U.S. Department of Interior• Department of Justice

• NIJ COMMTECH


How is NPSTC organized?How is NPSTC organized?

NPSTC Governing Board

• Representatives from each of its member organizations

Executive Committee

• The Executive Committee comprises a Chair, Vice Chair, and the four Committee Chairs and Vice-Chairs

Four Operational Committees

• Interoperability Committee

• Outreach Committee

• Spectrum Management Committee

• Technology Committee


Our GoalsOur Goals

• Create vision for the future of public safety communications• Develop common policy perspectives through collaborative

forums of leadership in public safety• Educate appropriate governmental bodies regarding public

safety communications issues, policies and priorities• Educate public safety practitioners and leaders on

communications issues• Influence future technologies, providers and standard making

bodies to ensure public safety interests are appropriately represented

• Advocate the interests of public safety communications• Facilitate coordination, dispute resolution and the exchange of

effective practices, tools and information


NPSTC Discusses Intrinsically Safe RadiosNPSTC Discusses Intrinsically Safe RadiosMarilyn Ward, Executive DirectorMarilyn Ward, Executive Director


Intrinsically Safe Radio CertificationIntrinsically Safe Radio Certification

• What is IS Radio and the issue?– FM Approvals– UL and CSA

• Changes that will be needed when new standard is implemented in 2012– More tower sites– Batteries not interoperable

• The financial impact on Government Budgets– Pinellas County – Houston

• NPSTC position paper



• ISA meeting in San Diego– NPSTC representative– Request for new standard for public safety– Request to delay 2012 implementation

• What can we do?– Notify your radio managers – Work with your radio shop to prepare a plan and budget – Monitor the NPSTC home page for updates and respond

when we call for action if it is needed



• Join the IS Radio public safety working group and list serve for information

• Share the impact on your system with us for publication like Pinellas and Houston has done

• Be prepared to answer hard questions at home like– Why did we spend so much money on equipment during

rebanding when it is no good after 2012?– Is our radio equipment no longer safe?– Why didn’t we know about this 2 years ago?


NPSTC Discusses Current Spectrum Issues NPSTC Discusses Current Spectrum Issues and Narrowbanding and Narrowbanding

David BuchananDavid Buchanan


NPSTC Spectrum IssuesNPSTC Spectrum Issues

• LEGACY ANALOG TV CHANNELS IN 700 MHZ SPECTRUM (#SM-093-20101112)

• Docket #07-100 on 4.9 GHz coordination adopted 4/7/09 NPRN Requires further FCC action

• NEW TECHNICAL STANDARDS / DTV OPERATION FOR UHF TV SHARING BAND(#SM-045-20080212)

• AUCTION OVERLAY IN THE TV SPECTRUM (#SM-086-20100813)

• NOI on Dynamic Spectrum Access with a separate NPRM on voluntary auctions in the TV spectrum


NPSTC Spectrum IssuesNPSTC Spectrum Issues

• FCC PUBLIC NOTICE REQUESTING INPUT ON POTENTIAL USE OF 700 MHZ NARROWBAND AND GUARDBAND BLOCKS FOR BROADBAND OPERATION. (ACTION ITEM # SM-089-20101008)

• Petition to use certain 700 MHz narrowband channels for air to ground use


NPSTC QuestionnaireNPSTC Questionnaire

• NPSTC conducted a questionnaire to develop a snapshot of the current status of narrowbanding.

• Generally, nine questions were examined.• Over 600 responses have been submitted to date.


Is Your System Capable of NB?Is Your System Capable of NB?

• Many jurisdictions are NB capable, but still in WB• Repeaters and Base Stations pose a big problem,

even if mobiles and portables are ready• Few have totally converted and most still need

equipment• Troubling comments

– How would I know?– County Commissioners not yet on board


Migrating to 700/800 MHz? Migrating to 700/800 MHz?

• Most responders said “no”– Propagation Issues with 700/800 MHz– Interoperability with Neighbors– Cost


Do you have a Timetable?Do you have a Timetable?

• Most have a timetable• Many see funding as an obstacle to meeting the

timetable


Determine Cost to Narrowband?Determine Cost to Narrowband?

• Range from a few thousand to millions of dollars• Constant theme, “Where is the money going to come

from?”


Planning to File a Waiver?Planning to File a Waiver?

• 50/50 – yes/no• Many undecided at this time


Currently NB Capable?Currently NB Capable?

• Range from “no equipment is narrowband capable” to “all equipment is narrowband”

• Most have some percentage of equipment NB capable


Need to Purchase New Equip?Need to Purchase New Equip?

• Most will need some additional equipment before 2013


Funding Identified?Funding Identified?

• Many looking for grants• Some have partial funding in place• Volunteer Fire Departments need donations• Funding is the biggest obstacle to meeting the

deadline


Narrowbanding Affect Interop?Narrowbanding Affect Interop?

• Generally, Yes• Interoperability suffers if not all users are narrowband• Communications range may be reduced


NPSTC Reviews Current Activities of the NPSTC Reviews Current Activities of the PSST including D BlockPSST including D Block

Harlin McEwenHarlin McEwen

Chief Harlin R. McEwenChief of Police (Ret) City of Ithaca, NY

FBI Deputy Assistant Director (Ret) Washington, DC

Public SafetySpectrum Trust

ChairmanPublic Safety Spectrum Trust

ChairmanCommunications & Technology CommitteeInternational Association of Chiefs of Police


PSBTProposal30 MHz

Nationwide Public SafetyNationwide Public SafetyInteroperable Wireless Broadband NetworkInteroperable Wireless Broadband Network

June 6, 2007 - The Public Safety Spectrum Trust (PSST) was created as a not-for-profit Corporation. It was formed by the Association of Public-Safety Officials-International (APCO), the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), and the International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA). The intent was to apply for the proposed single nationwide Public Safety Broadband License

August 10, 2007 – FCC issued the Second Report & Order that set forth a process for selection of a nationwide public safety broadband license including rigorous requirements for eligibility for the nationwide license. The R&O included unprecedented requirements for a license holder including specific language to be included in the By-Laws of the organization holding the public safety license.

November 19, 2007 - FCC named the PSST as the nationwide Public Safety Broadband Licensee (PSBL) and issued a 10 year license.


The Public Safety Spectrum Trust (PSST) is currently governed by a The Public Safety Spectrum Trust (PSST) is currently governed by a voting board of fifteen members – one representative from each of voting board of fifteen members – one representative from each of the following organizations:the following organizations:

1. American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO)2. American Hospital Association (AHA)3. Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO)4. Forestry Conservation Communications Association (FCCA)5. International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)6. International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)7. International City/County Management Association (ICMA)8. International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA)9. National Assn. of State Emergency Medical Services Officials (NASEMSO)10. National Assn. of State 9-1-1 Administrators (NASNA)11. National Emergency Management Association (NEMA)12. National Emergency Number Association (NENA)13. National Fraternal Order of Police (NFOP)14. National Governors Association (NGA)15. National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA)


PSBTProposal30 MHz


ADEQUATE SPECTRUM IS IMPORTANT TO PUBLIC SAFETY


Base Transmit (Downlink) Mobile Transmit (Uplink)

New Upper 700 MHz Band Plan - Adopted by FCC on July 31, 2007

Spectrum To Be AuctionedWith Public Safety Requirements

or Allocated to the Nationwide PSBL

By Congressional Action

Single Nationwide Public Safety Broadband License (PSBL)

(Licensed to the Public Safety Spectrum Trust)

D5

PSBB5

A1

C11

B1

60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69

B1

C11

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GB1

PSNB6

PSNB6

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D5

746 763 768 769 772 775 776 793 798 799 802 805 806


D Block Allocation to Public SafetyD Block Allocation to Public Safety

• “Win the Future through the Wireless Innovation and Infrastructure” initiative of the White House. Notably, the plan calls for the reallocation of the D-Block for public safety as well as significant investments to support the build out of the network. http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/02/10/president-obama-details-plan-win-future-through-expanded-wireless-access

• S. 28 (Rockefeller)• HR 607 (King-Thompson)

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/02/10/president-obama-details-plan-win-future-through-expanded-wireless-access




National Broadband Network National Broadband Network Conceptual DesignsConceptual Designs

March 1, 2011

San Antonio, Texas


•Multiple IDs (PLMNs), one for each Public Safety Network– Forces roaming between public safety networks, and all associated

engineering and business expenses for roaming replicated between each network

– May not be possible to get many IDs from ATIS IOC•Inconsistent user subscription fees for each network and roaming fees between PS networks (TBD)•Duplication & Overbuild = unnecessary expenses•Upgrades inconsistent across Public Safety networks•Public safety roaming also required onto commercial networks

– One agreement between each Public Safety Network, and each supported commercial network, or

– An agreement between each Public Safety Network and a Clearing House & Roaming Hub.

Network-of-Networks ConceptNetwork-of-Networks Concept

Option 1: Network-of-Networks With Clearing House Concept

Clearing House & Roaming Hub


Commercial Networks(s)Commercial Networks(s)

Network Core

NOCNOC

NOCNOC

NOCNOC

NOCNOC

NOCNOCNOCNOC

NOCNOC

NOCNOC

NOCNOC

NOCNOC

NOCNOC

NOCNOC

NOCNOC

NOCNOC

NOCNOC

March 3,

2011


•No public safety roaming on a nationwide network that deploys a single Network ID (PLMN)

– Consistent user subscription fee regardless of user location based on nationwide agreement (TBD)

•Upgrades nationally consistent•Public safety roaming only required onto commercial network(s)

– A single agreement with a clearing house can be used versus multiple agreements in a network-of- networks approach

One Nationwide Network ConceptOne Nationwide Network Concept

Option 2: One Nationwide Network Concept

Distributed Network Core



Commercial Network(s)Commercial Network(s)

March 3,

2011


The recurring costs to manage and refresh a network, over the long term,

will be the largest cost component regardless of configuration. One

Nationwide Network would be a much simpler configuration and will cost

the least amount to manage, maintain, upgrade, etc.

In a network of networks approach, release upgrades would need to be

coordinated and consistent funding among all the network operators to

keep every LTE component at the same release level. This would slow

the overall evolution of the nationwide network to match the slowest of

the multiple network operators or if uncoordinated upgrades are made

the features available will not be uniform across the nation and could

cause operability and interoperability problems.

Network ManagementNetwork Management


•Must not forget that local officials are primarily concerned about priority

access and Quality of Service (QOS) so they can manage local incidents

•A process to manage priority levels for local incident management will

need to be developed

•This process does not depend on the number of operators to meet local

needs

•The greater the number of system operators the more this will look like

the current Land Mobile Radio (LMR) voice systems with the obstacles

to interoperability that we have in the LMR environment today

Priority on the networkPriority on the network


PSBTProposal30 MHz


A DIFFERENT FUNDING MODEL IS ESSENTIAL A nationwide funding model will be essential to gain a nationwide public safety interoperable network. Federal funds to build, manage and refresh a nationwide network must be based on a new and unified funding approach that funds local, state, and national elements of a nationwide network as opposed to a grant program that disparately funds only selected localities such as the BTOP Program.

Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP)Public Safety GrantsCity of Charlotte (NC) $ 16.7MState of New Mexico (NM) $ 38.7MBay Area [Motorola] (CA) $ 50.0MState of Mississippi (MS) $ 70.0MState of New Jersey (NJ) $ 39.6MLos Angeles RICS (CA) $154.6M

Adams County (CO) $ 12.1M

Nationwide Public SafetyInteroperable Wireless Broadband Network

ADEQUATE SPECTRUM IS IMPORTANT TO PUBLIC SAFETY

Support S. 28 & H.R. 607

www.psafirst.org


NPSTC Broadband RequirementsNPSTC Broadband Requirements Technology Committee Vice ChairTechnology Committee Vice ChairBroadband Working Group ChairBroadband Working Group Chair

Andrew ThiessenAndrew Thiessen


NPSTC Broadband Working Group RecapNPSTC Broadband Working Group Recap

The NPSTC Broadband Working Group has been active in development user requirements from the beginning of the 700MHz broadband process for public safety:

• In November 2007, NPSTC published the first version (0.6) of the 700MHz Broadband Public Safety Statement of Requirements– At the time, the D block auction had not occurred– Public safety had not selected a technology

• In August of 2009. NPSTC published the Broadband Task Force Report detailing a first cut at interoperability requirements given LTE as the technology of choice– Waivers had not yet been granted to PS organizations– Roaming amongst potentially separate PS LTE networks was

not heavily considered


NPSTC Broadband Working Group Current EffortsNPSTC Broadband Working Group Current Efforts

Given the tremendous amount of activity in the last year or so in 700MHz broadband, NPSTC felt it was time to reconstitute the Broadband Working Group to begin to address current issues:

• Public safety has often referred to mission critical voice requirements but no documentation existed on what this specifically was

– NPSTC has a document out for comment that is the first high level definition for what mission critical voice means

– This information will be used in the development of a voice capability for public safety over 700MHz LTE and other technologies and spectrum as needed

• Given that the Public Safety community has elected to leverage a commercial technology for its broadband needs, a careful gap analysis needs to be performed to determine what changes, if any, need to be made to the technology to meet PS needs

– The first step in a gap analysis if knowing what the requirements are, thus an update to the 700MHz Broadband SoR is underway

– Currently need volunteers from all stakeholders


PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS RESEARCHPUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH(PSCR) (PSCR)

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE – BOULDER LABSDEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE – BOULDER LABSANDREW THIESSEN – STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS LEADANDREW THIESSEN – STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS LEAD


Public Safety Communications Research Program

Located at the Department of CommerceBoulder Labs in Colorado

The PSCR Program is a joint effort between:

NIST’s

Office of LawEnforcement Standards

(OLES) and

NTIA’sInstitute for Telecommunication

Sciences (ITS)


Lower 700 Band

Upper 700 Band

Cavalier Wireless

Cavalier Wireless

? ?State/Local Public Safety Agencies (Narrowband LMR)

Ch 51

D Block D Block

Public Safety Broadband

PS Narrowband

BC13 BC13BC14 BC14BC17

BC12

3GPP LTE Bandclass

State/Local Public Safety Agencies (Narrowband LMR)

Public Safety Public Safety

Ch52

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Ch56

Ch57

Ch58

Ch59

Ch60

Ch61

Ch62

Ch63

Ch64

Ch65

Ch66

Ch67

Ch68

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Base TX Base TX Base TX Base TX Base TX Base TX Base TX Mobile TX

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PSBB PSNBPSNB

Current License Holders (not full list)

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700 MHz Spectrum700 MHz Spectrum


PSCR’s 700MHz Public Safety PSCR’s 700MHz Public Safety Broadband Demonstration Network Broadband Demonstration Network The only government or independent lab facility located in the United States to test and demonstrate public safety 700 MHz broadband networks and applications, the Demonstration Network provides:

A place for manufacturers and carriers to deploy their systems to test them in a multi‐vendor environment. This provides integration opportunities.

A place for public safety to see how these systems will function, specific to their unique needs. Interested agencies can visit the network and get hands‐on experience with these systems, as well as run public safety specific test cases that relate directly to their operational environments.

A place where early builders can ensure that the systems they might procure will in fact work in the eventual nationwide network, assisting agencies in their procurement process.


• Generate interest from broadband vendors to develop a 700 MHz broadband equipment ecosystem– Band Class 14 (D Block & Public Safety Block), Long

Term Evolution (LTE)– Stimulate early development for public safety systems

(e.g. Waiver Orders)

– Support the commercial standards and testing process

with public safety requirements e.g.

PSCR Demo Network Project PlanPSCR Demo Network Project Plan


Demonstration Network Demonstration Network OutcomesOutcomes• Stakeholders will be able to deploy their equipment in a neutral

host network.• Inform public safety on how this new technology can meet their

requirements.– Allow public safety to access the cost savings and innovation

of the larger commercial market– They do not have to potentially waste capital expenditures for

evaluating a network technology.• Information & test results gleaned can inform all stakeholders


Demonstration Network Outcomes (cont.)Demonstration Network Outcomes (cont.)

• Help create nationwide interoperability through a unified approach to network design and implementation– Requirements definition & standards development

• Testing (conformance, performance and evaluation)• Planning – Network architecture, RF, IP, PLMN, IMSI,

eNUM, Security, Application…etc.

NOTE: Information published will be non-attributable


NOTE: This is a partial stakeholder list

Demo Project StakeholdersDemo Project Stakeholders


AFST UpdateAFST Update Joe Ross


AFST MissionAFST Mission

• Follow up on the PSWAC Project Final Report to determine spectrum needs (1996).

• Study future spectrum needs for public safety through the year 2020.

• Study future technology and operational requirements for public safety through the year 2020.


AFST Progress

• Operational Needs Web Assessment– More than 300 agencies responded to an online survey– Feedback received on operational issues, spectrum, and

broadband.

• Broadband Utilization Focus Group Sessions– Conducted four sessions: Orlando, Houston, So. Cal., DC– Four different scenarios

• 4.9 GHz assessment– Online web survey resulted in – Feedback on uses (successful and unsuccessful and future

usage intentions)

• Held Several Meetings With FCC


AFST Current Status

• Engaged broadband vendor engineering assistance– Application throughput– Incident Spectral Efficiency

• Finalizing AFST report sections• Operations

• Technology

• Spectrum

• Internal Review & Public Review scheduled


LMR Operational Requirements

• Survey Results: Spectrum– Perceived lack of spectrum in all bands – statewide spectrum

concerns– Retain system coverage in rural areas while narrowbanding– Improved spectrum availability in border areas– Need to ensure that major fiscal investments in current

systems will continue to meet needs



• Survey Results: Interoperability– Need more conventional Mutual Aid channels for major

incidents– Scanning between trunked and conventional systems– Encryption and data capabilities when roaming– Decreased latency with patched channels– Faster arrival of I/O equipment to the scene– Continued paging/alerting support (commercial and trunked

systems)– Lower equipment costs for multi-band operations– Continued interoperability during narrowbanding and regoinal

trunked system migrations



• Survey Results: Spectrum– Perceived lack of spectrum in all bands – statewide spectrum

concerns– Retain system coverage in rural areas while narrowbanding– Improved spectrum availability in border areas– Need to ensure that major fiscal investments in current

systems will continue to meet needs



• Survey Results: Broadband– Importance of data and video increasing– Data priority on commercial systems needed due to saturation

during major emergency – Need to evolve national standards to support I/O– Carefully managed sharing of NG911 information w/ field

units– Improved coverage throughout the response area including

in-building coverage for data, video and voice


Focus Group Feedback

• Broadband Focus Group Sessions– Held throughout the U.S.:

• Southern California Wild Land Fire

• Houston Chemical Plant Explosion

• Washington DC Toxic Gas Leak

• Orlando Hurricane Strike

– Use Table Top Exercise format to document operational needs and spectrum use.


Focus Group OverviewFocus Group Overview

Location Type Personnel Vehicles Area (mi2)

So. Cal. Wildfire 3,000 1,000 35

Houston Chem. Expl. 200 50 5

Washington Toxic Gas 327 127 1

Orlando Hurricane 220 60 1


Focus Group Feedback

• Common Applications • Video (airborne, vehicle mounted, helmet mounted)

• GIS (street layer, utility layer, photography)

• Incident Command White Board (exchange info between units)

• Automatic Vehicle Location (for all vehicles in area)

• Automatic Personnel Location (Firefighter, Officer location)

• Database access– Criminal history and mug shots– Building pre-plan data– Hazmat, chemical storage data– Critical Infrastructure 3D building files

• Traffic Management (cameras & roadway signs)

• Weather Data


4.9 Survey

• Online Web Survey On Use Of 4.9– Survey open until February 21st

– Deployed, primary use, future use, use at incident scene– 142 responses received (as of February 16)– As of 2/16:

• Primary use is point to point service to link radio systems

• Used to move IP data from point to point

• Occasional “hot spot” use

• Occasional video feed

• Few attempts to use at Incident Scene


How Can You Help?How Can You Help?

• Stop by the NPSTC Booth #8075

• Volunteer online – NPSTC Website at www.npstc.org/volunteersInformationForm.jsp

• Email or call the NPSTC Support Office– 866-807-4755– [email protected]

• Email input to [email protected]

• Provide Feedback On Draft Reports


Questions?

npstc discusses current events in the public safety community

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