Published: April 12, 2007

Colorado Law’s Silicon Flatirons Telecommunications Program hosted a roundtable over the last two days, attended by thought leaders in public safety, academia, and industry to discuss the opportunity to develop a next generation network for public safety communications. This roundtable, made possible by a CTIA grant to the Program, included more than 30 participants and highlighted the important choices facing policymakers in this significant area. Professor Phil Weiser and CU Adjunct Professor Dale Hatfield organized and moderated the roundtable.“I have been involved in discussions as to the future of public safety communications for more than 30 years,” emphasized Dale Hatfield. “I am very encouraged that we now have an opportunity to move in a far more effective direction. To my mind, this discussion and others like it are critical to taking advantage of new technologies and approaches. In short, I believe that our report will be able to develop how new technological developments have created unprecedented opportunities that policymakers should embrace.”“Over its seven years in existence, Silicon Flatirons has prided itself on the ability to raise the level of debate and cut through the rhetoric on important public policy issues,” explained Weiser. “The challenges facing public safety communications are one of the most important public policy issues facing the country and there is a vital need for careful analysis to frame the debate and guide policy going forward. We appreciate CTIA’s leadership in supporting our effort to bring together leading thinkers on the topic.”“For years, public safety communications has not received the attention it deserved,” noted Harlin McEwen, Chairman of the Communications and Technology Committee of the International Association of Chiefs of Police. “I am very pleased that this roundtable brought together a considerable amount of brainpower to analyze the cutting edge issues of today.”“This dialogue represents an important step in developing more thoughtful public policy in this area,” explained Charles Werner, Fire Chief of the City of Charlottesville. “I have participated in a number of such forums and this one was unique for the caliber of individuals it brought together and the seriousness of the discussion. I look forward to and am encouraged that it can lead to an important report that will outline public safety needs and identify collaborative opportunities to meet those needs.”“CTIA is pleased to have hosted this important forum,” explained Steve Largent, President and CEO of CTIA. “We are committed to positively contributing to a high level of productive discussion in this extremely important area.” CTIA’s membership include commercial carriers offering services to public safety agencies, equipment developers serving public safety, and other companies also interested in advancing thoughtful public policy in this area.As envisioned, the roundtable discussion highlighted important areas of consensus, including new and emerging technologies and opportunities, requirements for public safety communications, and suggestions for a next generation architecture and policy strategy. These points will be developed in a report expected by mid-May.