On March 18-19, APCO International hosted a special event with the Public Safety Broadband Technology Association (PSBTA) in Washington, DC that focused on public safety’s use of 4.9 GHz and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Attendees gathered to discuss innovations and evolutions in public safety communications technologies, and they heard from speakers in the public safety communications industry from the emergency communications centers (ECCs) themselves to industry partners.
Day one of this event focused on the history of the 4.9 GHz band, the need for 5G spectrum, FCC rules and licensing requirements, incumbent use of the spectrum and more. The panels discussed incumbent use of the 4.9 GHz band and what the ideal band qualifications would be to support public safety’s needs. One panelist noted that, “the FCC, in its 4.9 GHz actions, has endorsed and reiterated its support of public safety by assigning additional 4.9 GHz public safety spectrum to the FirstNet network.” Additionally, discussions focused on incumbent use of the 4.9 GHz band and the requirements the FCC has placed on existing licensees to provide more details as to their current operations with the hope of increasing use of the band through frequency coordination. The day closed with an interactive discussion with the audience.
Day two discussions focused on AI, what it means to public safety communications, how it will interface with public safety broadband, what the future landscape looks like for this type of technology and the potential impact the use of AI can have on public safety dedicated spectrum. The panelists discussed that AI technologies will require more dedicated spectrum for public safety use, how ECCs can responsibly harness AI for public safety and the benefits and challenges that AI can solve. The panelists noted that, “the increased use of AI by public safety may tax existing public safety broadband spectrum allocations in the way they serve users. AI’s gradual integration into public safety will provide enhanced capabilities, services and situational awareness resources but may be limited by bandwidth constraints.” Lastly, attendees asked important questions on the evolution of AI, how AI’s increased adoption will always better serve public safety needs with human oversight and how an agency’s confidence in the origin of the data AI is utilizing is critical to ensuring AI’s positive impact on public safety.
APCO thanks everyone who attended, our speakers and PSBTA for their partnership in making this event happen.
