By Dave Buchanan, Director of State Consultation

George Crouch, Bob Steadman and their team were well prepared for the South Carolina initial consultation meeting with FirstNet earlier this year in Columbia. The team provided a detailed overview of the State’s current and planned communications and technology initiatives for public safety, including how its local jurisdictions are planning and preparing for the nationwide public safety broadband network (NPSBN).

I found the presentation from Irmo Police Chief Brian Buck to be very helpful in in terms of increasing our understanding of local law enforcement needs and requirements for mobile data. Chief Buck discussed the annual “Okra Strut” event that brings more than 40,000 visitors to the town of Irmo every September. His presentation focused on some of the key communications challenges that public safety users often experience with mobile connectivity during the event due to congestion on commercial networks.

Lt. Roy Cloud with the State Transport Police discussed an innovative technology project currently in development called a “Virtual Inspection Station” that uses sensors and trucks to transmit mobile data to a database that can then be accessed by officers using mobile data terminals. Lt. Cloud said the goal is to leverage the thousands of long haul drivers traversing the state each year to produce an effective communications tool for first responders.

Lt. Doug Connelly from the South Carolina Highway Patrol presented on the opportunities for the NPSBN in every day use by their troopers. Lt. Connelly discussed how a broadband network such as the NPSBN, when launched, could be paired with the state radio system to bring a more complete suite of voice, video, and data capabilities for the public safety community.

My colleague Brian Kassa, Director of Technology Planning and Development, presented on the importance of understanding the State’s users and coverage needs. The discussion also included questions and answers about the State’s data collection efforts, as well as South Carolina’s top priorities for the network.

I would like to thank George and Bob and the South Carolina team for arranging a productive meeting featuring public safety stakeholders from across the state. The FirstNet team received a great deal of useful information from the meeting, and we look forward to continuing to work with the State to develop a network that enhances public safety communications throughout South Carolina.

-Dave