March 2012

1. 700 MHz Broadband for Mission Critical Public Safety Data March 2012 A Brief Overview

2. Present State of Broadband in Canada • Different technologies in use • Different systems in use • Not seamless ability for wireless broadband nationwide • No Canada-U.S. harmonization • Thirst for public safety bandwidth increasing exponentially • Industry Canada Consultation provides opportunity to state public safety needs

3. The Issue • The allocation of 700MHz broadband spectrum represents a once in a lifetime opportunity • If done correctly will enable mission critical data communications for public safety for years to come • Having this ability directly impacts community and responder safety, innovation and the health of Canada’s digital economy • Public safety’s voice must be heard — we need the right tools to protect and save lives

4. Background • November 2010 – Industry Canada (IC) Minister announces Spectrum Auction for late 2012 • IC opened consultations on the 700 MHz broadband allocations on November 30, 2010 • Submission and rebuttal period in early 2011 • August 2011 marked the transition from analog television to digital in Canada, freeing up spectrum for potential use by public safety • IC Minister Paradisannounces on March 14, 2012 that 10 MHz will be allocated in Canada for “public safety use” • Additional round of consultations expected summer 2012 on additional 10 MHz of spectrum (D Block) • Canadian public safety professionals must have access to modern and reliable communications capabilities

5. In the U.S. • A similar analogue-to-digital TV transition was accomplished in June 2009 • The FCC had already licensed 10 MHz to the Public Safety Spectrum Trust (PSST) - board comprised of IACP, IAFC, etc., see www.psst.org/index.jsp • Collectively, U.S. public safety agencies fought for a second 10 MHz block in the critical band of 700 MHz spectrum known as the D Block • On February 17, 2012, US Congress agreed to allocate the D Block to public safety (for a full 20 MHz) and support the development of a mission-critical, nationwide public safety broadband network  • Canadian responders now face the same challenge for the second 10 MHz

6. Three Key Points • We applaud the Government of Canada’s commitment to designate 10 MHz of spectrum in the 700 MHz band for public safety broadband use. It is an important first step. But in order to implement a nationwide network that can support mission-critical communications for our first responders, we need Industry Canada to take the second step. Canada's first responders need ubiquitous access to 20 MHz of spectrum. • It is vitally important to our public safety and security requirements that we acquire a full 20 MHz allocation, just as the U.S. has decided to do. This is the amount of bandwidth we need to make effective use of modern communications tools during emergencies. Our case for the full 20 MHz of spectrum in response to realistic and frequent occurrences is proven and scientifically supported. 20 MHz of spectrum will improve the ability of emergency responders to protect communities and save lives. • Governance of the 20 MHz of 700 MHz spectrum for public safety for broadband use must reside with public safety stakeholders. A dedicated national interoperable public safety broadband network under the stewardship of public safety will be inherently more reliable, more robust, more functional and more resilient than current public safety communications systems.

7. Why is this so important? • Today, Canadian public safety entities use existing commercial networks for their data needs • Some 700 MHz narrow and wide band spectrum is already dedicated to public safety in Canada for voice and some low speed data use • However, securing dedicated spectrum for broadband applications for public safety will ensure wireless broadband networks can be built with the needs of public safety in mind moving forward, to “Mission Critical” requirements • Take advantage of US/World standard LTE 4G

8. Why is this so important? • With advances in technology, Canadian agencies will have an increasing need to access data and video networks during all emergency incidents • Availability of such networks responds directly to the Canadian tri-services identified priorities of improved interoperability and integrated emergency management -- spectrum allocations are a key enabler for the creation of such a network • Above all, Canadians will be safer if responders have the ability to provide services with the most up-to-date technology enabled by spectrum dedicated for public safety

9. Example Firefighters from New Brunswick asked by CIFFC to fly to British Columbia (or California, or Australia) to help fight wildfires – the wireless device (future versions that are hardened & intrinsically safe) immediately connects to the 700 MHz system in BC (or wherever), authenticates them as a public safety user and gives them full BROADBAND access to mission critical data including GIS location tracking, situational awareness info about where the fires are located (based on access to wireless sensors that have been deployed) and full topographical and /or satellite maps.

10. Example Paramedics are called to the scene of a mass casualty event along the Washington State – British Columbia border. BC Incident Commanders quickly realize that they require assistance from their U.S. counterparts. They begin deploying wireless patient care telemetry devices that connect via the 700 MHz Broadband network. Because the network was built using the same spectrum and standards (LTE), the US responders can immediately get access the information required (as authorized by previous governance and SOP’s) to successfully respond to this joint operation.

11. Example Police are called to an Active Shooter situation at a local college. Based on broadband access to the 700 MHz network, they immediately deploy three teams into the school via three different entry points. 3D in-building location and tracking devices (originally spearheaded by the fire community) allow team leaders, local Incident Commander and HQ to be aware of each other’s location. They then access the IP based speaker/microphone system in the college, overlay sounds on the building floor plan, and immediately identify victim/suspect location info. Fire and paramedic teams responding have (as authorized) access to the data to begin planning their response.

12. Nationwide Broadband Network • Benefits for Public Safety • A fully interoperable nationwide network • Saving resources through a coordinated system • Unlocking the potential of commercial devices and infrastructure for public safety • Providing better performance and cost effectiveness through innovation • Enhancing the public safety mission • Procurement savings through economies of scale  

13. Potential Growth Vision • Border and a few major cities • Major centres • Regional solutions • Major arteries • Continentally Aligned

14. It sounds expensive… • Building and management of broadband networks across the country can be achieved in collaboration with industry – possibly via P3 partnerships • However, the licensing/control of the spectrum is critical and the key enabler • Spectrum dedicated to public safety will dictate that industry build wireless broadband networks with the needs of public safety in mind • By design, these networks would be inherently more reliable, more robust, more functional and more survivable — to a level that is expected and required to support emergency response operations

15. The Bottom Line • Public safety agencies will continue to pay user fees to access the network – but now to new entity • LTE Infrastructure/operations with P3 partnerships • Amend the Building Canada Fund to include communications networks to help F/T/P/M agencies • Reduce or eliminate Industry Canada spectrum licence(s) fees • Seek federal funding to help set up administrative body (eventually self sustaining) • TBA — governance and business model work continues

16. Work of the Tri-Service Committee • Formulate a broad-based public safety response to the public consultations on the use of the 700 MHz band • Monitor and advise on the issue, inform stakeholders and identify responder spectrum needs and potential opportunities • Engage with industry, public safety providers and different levels of government to put forward a position that makes sense for Canadian public safety and Canadians in general • Deliver the written response to the consultations

17. Work of the Committee • Ensure that the spectrum needs of responders and public safety in general are considered and accounted for • Enough spectrum to fulfil vision of a robust system of interoperable networks that will benefit urban, suburban and rural responder agencies in Canada • Alignment with U.S. with a view to a trans-continental vision • Work with industry to help better define needs and future vision • Advocate and work with others on a whole-of-government approach

18. What can YOU do about it? • Get informed and put this issue on your organization’s radar • Inform your boards, municipalities, provincial/territorial governments and other governing bodies that spectrum allocations will have a significant impact on public safety in Canada • Work with tri-services colleagues and others to advocate a strong voice for public safety in advance of spectrum allocations • Look for and act on mobilization information as it sent by CACP, CAFC, EMSCC and others

19. Call to Action! • Web site created by the Associations to provide a focal point for communications efforts: www.action700.ca (download basic information, including today’s media release, and sign up for e-mail updates) • Call for volunteers — send e-mail to: action700broadband@gmail.com (we will need supporting letters, technical experts, outreach, etc.)