What frequencies do public safety agencies use?

For many years, public safety agencies utilized bands of frequencies, in the VHF and UHF parts of the spectrum. These frequencies are allocated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for communication between fixed base stations and land mobile vehicle-mounted and portable transceivers.

What is an in-building emergency responder Communications Enhancement System (Erces)?

An In-Building Emergency Responder Communications Enhancement System (ERCES) is a wireless communications system used by first responder and emergency services personnel, such as police, fire, emergency medical, homeland security, and disaster response agencies.

Why do emergency responders need in-building Erces?

When emergency responders enter a building their ability to maintain interoperable and continuous communications is paramount to the protection of both public safety and the public’s safety. An In-Building ERCES ensures that communication signals can penetrate into all areas of buildings in accordance with model fire codes and standards.

Why do emergency responders need in-building wireless communications?

The need for in-building wireless communications for Emergency Responders resulted in the development of national model codes by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the International Code Council (ICC) as early as 2009.

Who needs emergency responder communications coverage?

The NFPA and ICC national level model in-building code development is being driven primarily by fire service jurisdictions. However, the requirements for emergency responder communications coverage are designed to include all public safety agencies, including law enforcement and emergency medical services.

Do public safety agencies use digital radio?

These analog radio systems were primarily designed for voice communications. Today however, many Public Safety agencies utilize digital technology that includes additional frequency bands, such as 700MHz and 800MHz.