This is a print on demand edition of a hard to find publication. Effective emergency response is dependent on wireless commun. To minimize commun. failures during and after a crisis requires ongoing improvements in emergency commun. capacity and capability. The availability of radio frequency spectrum is considered essential to developing a modern, interoperable commun. network for public safety. Equally critical is building the radio network to use this spectrum. Contents of this report: (1) Issues Before Congress; Commun. Infrastructure; (2) Proposals for Spectrum Assignment: Broadband Plans and the D Block; Narrowband Radio Plans; FCC Policy Objectives; (3) Providing Structure; Funding; Governance; Role of the Fed. Gov¿t.; Managing Technology and Spectrum Resources. Illustrations.

Emergency communications breakdowns undermined response efforts during terrorist attacks in 2001 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005. In response, federal agencies like the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have increased efforts to enhance emergency communications. This report identifies: (1) vulnerabilities, if any, to emergency communications systems; (2) federal assistance available or planned to first responders for addressing vulnerabilities or enhancing emergency communications; and (3) challenges, if any, with federal emergency communications efforts. Includes recommendations. Charts and tables.