First-responder survey generates a few surprises: "“From the perspective of public administrators, they really need to get closer to the first responders before making any decisions on public-safety equipment. … This is potentially a big wake-up call because it could lead to a lot of rollouts of new equipment and new technology that are inappropriate,” Quirke said. “[First responders] told us, quite honestly, that if equipment gets in the way, they’re not going to use it.”"

Harris unveils multiband portable radio for first responders: "[On February 15th, Harris Corp.] introduced a multiband portable radio for the first-responder sector that operates in both VHF (low- and high-band) and UHF (low- and high-band) modes. The company is targeting the federal level first, but said it expects to eventually introduce models for state and local agencies."

FCC May Examine ‘D’ Block Auction Fiasco: "FCC commissioner Jonathan Adelstein said Sunday that he and the agency will “definitely look into the allegations” of rumored shadowy deals that may have led to the collapse of Frontline Wireless and the apparent failure of the “D” Block segment to attract a minimum reserve bid in the ongoing 700 MHz spectrum auction.

First reported by Harold WFeld on the WetMachine blog, the rumor that machinations by Morgan O’Brien of Cyren Call fame may have helped to scuttle the plans of Frontline Wireless — perhaps the most likely bidder on the mixed-use D Block bandwidth — is something Adelstein is taking seriously, following what he called the “great disappointment” of the apparent failure of any winning bid for the D Block spectrum."

NY State’s Wireless Net Broken?: "Carol Ellison in MuniWireless says New York’s proposed state-wide public safety network has become the focus of controversy after first responders in Erie County found that a pilot operating in the county and the city of Buffalo did not meet their needs. This weekend a state legislator has called for a third-party investigation.

The $2 billion NY State emergency radio network failed its first major test, prompting concerns from some state officials and causing the state’s second largest city, Buffalo, to opt out of the system, reported the NY Times. But problems should be fixed by M/A-COM this April say state officials, when they will decide whether to proceed with the $2 billion project. The state-wide public service radio network would tie virtually all public safety workers together and is scheduled to be completed in 2010."

Meet the FCC's Public Safety & Homeland Security Bureau Chief: "Chief Derek Poarch is a man that is highly motivated, dedicated, knowledgeable, and persuasive. His enthusiasm and sense of purpose is inspiring and contagious."