Global Security Challenge

Next Generation of Radio Technology Needed

Communicating in a city of talkers seems to be a big problem in Washington DC.  Not only are there so many problems just in linking up disparate first responder groups but there are also major problems with radios that don't work in "dead spots" according to the Washington Post.

Let's see if we can figure out the different systems:

  • The system the Capital Police use has five channels and according to the head of the Fraternal Order of Police labor committee head, the system experiences some type of failure at least once a month.
  • Smaller local police and firefighters have more modern, digital systems but have a problem reaching federal officers (like the US Park Police) whose equipment is older and on different frequencies.
  • According to the Post's article, 84% of FBI radios are obsolete.
A cry is out for a stronger national and interoperable system. But what would that look like? According to the Washington Post it has to satisfy multiple needs:
"The radios must work not just on streets but also throughout the thick-walled, marble-sheathed congressional buildings, including the basements. Officials also want the new system to have backup capacity to prevent failures."
Congress has appropriated $10 million for the project so far, but it is expected to cost tens of millions more, according to Capitol Police officials. It sounds like a great opportunity for startups to pitch their advanced communication technologies to DC officials.

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