Bluefield Daily Telegraph
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Senator Rockefeller deserves praise for his efforts to repurpose unused airwaves for use by first responders. With reliable wireless broadband access, West Virginia’s emergency response workers can do their jobs more effectively, especially if a natural disaster hits in a remote area of the state. But that’s only part of the solution.
During natural disasters or other emergencies, when too many people try to use their cell service at the same time — or if power goes out — first responders often lose their signal. But American ingenuity is today solving this problem. Some innovative companies are synthesizing satellite and ground-based networks into mobile broadband services that will provide coverage, without gaps, over every inch of the country — ending dropped calls.
Companies like LightSquared are clearing technical hurdles in the hopes of rolling out hybrid satellite-terrestrial network within the next year. These new wireless providers will represent a quantum leap in progress for public safety communications, and we hope Senators Rockefeller and Manchin and all of the West Virginia House of Representatives members support their plans.
Chris Hall, Executive Director
West Virginia EMS Coalition
