Given the recent announcement by Sprint Nextel of their plans to deploy a nationwide WiMAX network, it is important to understand how this type of network can benefit public safety and emergency response agencies. Evaluation of the WiMAX technology and development of public safety specific broadband applications are the two overriding objectives of the initial phase of RespondComm.

Benefits for Public Safety and Emergency Response Agencies

As WiMAX networks are deployed across the nation, large portions of the population will have access to broadband data, including public safety and emergency response personnel. Broadband capabilities, especially in a mobile network, could provide great enhancements over current public safety communications. Broadband networks will have sufficient bandwidth to carry voice, video and data. These networks will enable real time access to information not available on legacy networks, such as sensor data, weather, traffic, alerts, etc.

Before these networks roll out on a large scale, it is important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of such networks, as well as the hurdles which must be cleared. RespondComm has deployed a captive broadband wireless network to be used in developing, testing and demonstrating novel applications for public safety and emergency response agencies. By operating a live network for testing and evaluation, the RespondComm team will be at the head of the curve in uncovering issues inherent in using these networks in emergency communications scenarios. As issues are discovered, we will work through them, thereby assisting the public safety and emergency response communities to make smoother transitions as they begin to incorporate broadband wireless networks into their operational pictures.