“Why does my organization need combined narrowband and broadband networks?” was the question Russell Watson of Tait Communications answered during the first educational session of the 2012 APCO Global Congress on Tuesday, May 1.

“The effects of the global financial crisis are still with us and informing the views of public safety around the world,” said Watson. “Public safety is being asked to be more effective and more efficient.”

Improving the safety of responders and the public and the effectiveness of public safety response are the goals, and a combined narrowband/broadband system is the way to achieve those goals, according to Watson.

The public has a need to be able to call for help, and public safety has a need to address the operational challenges for responders on the front lines. But when there’s a major emergency, such as the earthquake in Christchurch, the bombings in London on 7/7 or the plane crash into the Pentagon on 9/11, multiple agencies converge on the scene, and commercial broadband and cellular networks become overwhelmed.

“Voice over narrowband still has a place,” said Watson. And transmitting small amounts of data doesn’t need broadband. “Basic queries, driver’s license number checks, birthdates: You don’t need a big pipe to provide that.

“But user expectations are changing.” Everyone carries a smartphone or an iPad or other commercial device. And “public safety officers around the world who are not given these commercial devices are using their personal devices, even if their agency does not endorse their use.”

A public safety broadband network will allow first responders to receive video and data that could affect response and outcomes. Devices supporting mission-critical voice and data capabilities would allow emergency responders to more efficiently complete their jobs.

Long-Term Evolution (LTE) is the standard that has been agreed upon for public safety broadband.

Watson said, “Integration of narrowband with broadband in one device is something we are working very hard on–integrating P25 with LTE.”

LTE is not the immediate solution–at least not by itself. A mix of technologies will be necessary.

“Situational management, not just situational awareness, is the goal. Enabling agencies to deal with situations before they get out of hand. We see the future with an integration of various technologies to deliver seamless connectivity,” said Watson.

APCO International President Gregg Riddle said, “An interoperable communications network for all of public safety is still in the future in the United States. The world needs to come together to drive the development of broadband devices.”