Motorola Testifies Before U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation

9/11 Commission Report: Spectrum, Funding and Interoperability Key to Mission Critical Public Safety Communications

WASHINGTON, D.C, - 8 Sept. 2004

Speaking before the US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation, Gary Grube, corporate vice president and chief technology officer of Motorola's Commercial, Government and Industrial Solutions Sector, said Congress must act to provide access to needed spectrum in all major urban areas to enable first responders to have full interoperability and improved wireless communications to carry out their critical mission.

Grube testified along with television broadcast, public safety and government officials and communications leaders in an effort to emphasize the vital communications needs of America’s public safety community and encourage implementation of recommendations outlined in the report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States.

According to Grube, “Spectrum that could significantly improve interoperability of public safety communications has been allocated but is not yet accessible in most major markets. Incumbent television stations operating on channels 62, 63, 64, 67, 68 and 69 prevent public safety access to this essential resource. We commend and encourage efforts by this Congressional Committee to act on the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission that legislation be enacted to clear critically needed spectrum for public safety use by no later than yearend 2006.”

Grube said “full public safety communications interoperability within the decade should be a national goal. We certainly cannot afford the human costs associated with delaying achievement of full interoperability. After spectrum, what is lacking are the economic resources to acquire the equipment and deploy the systems, particularly at the state and local level.”

Grube commended Sen. John McCain, committee chairman, for making public safety communications a national priority. He also acknowledged the work of Congresswoman Jane Harman and Congressman Curt Weldon for their dedicated work and leadership on the HERO Act.

Grube also said the public safety allocation in the 700 MHz band is one of the new resources that will help first responders carry out their mission critical responsibilities. This spectrum is the only dedicated spectrum allocation where public safety can implement advanced mobile wide area systems that bring high-speed access to databases, the intranet, imaging and video to first responders out in the field.

“This technology offers a whole new level of mobile communications capabilities, which is far beyond today’s voice and low speed data applications,” Grube said.

Grube cited several examples of capabilities that 700 MHz spectrum could make possible for first responders.

An officer or agent could transmit video of a potential bomb or biological weapon and get real time counsel from an expert in another location. Local or state police could instantly send or receive a photograph of a missing or abducted child. Firefighters in the field could instantly access online building blue prints, hydrant locations and hazardous material data.

Grube also applauded Senators Ted Stevens, Conrad Burns, and Hollings who have been exploring new ways to help get the funding local communities need for new technologies and to deploy interoperable communications equipment.

Reflecting on the nation’s many homeland security responsibilities, Grube said that “ensuring that our nation’s public safety officials have the tools they need to protect our citizens in the years ahead is a sound investment for the entire country. We urge this Committee to clear spectrum for public safety and to champion investments in interoperability for all public safety radio users.”

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