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FCC Explores Aerial Communications For First Responders By Mike Mitchell |
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May 25, 2012 - On Thursday the Federal Communications Commission adopted a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) to explore the use of Deployable Aerial Communications Architecture (DACA) technologies.
DACA technologies are aerial technologies such as
unmanned aerial vehicles, weather balloons or existing
aircraft that could provide emergency communications
during or immediately after a major disaster, when
terrestrial communications infrastructures may be
damaged or disrupted.
?During a disaster, when the terrestrial infrastructure
is unavailable, DACA technologies could provide
emergency communications to first responders and
possibly civilians? noted David Furth, Acting Chief of
the FCC?s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau.
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?Ideally, DACA technologies could be deployed rapidly to the
scene of a major disaster and enable immediate and continuous
communications using the devices that first responders and other
users carry with them every day until the infrastructure is
restored.?
Federal, state, and local governments are constantly working to
improve their emergency communications capabilities when a
disaster strikes. Yet there remains a gap during the first 72
hours after a catastrophic event when communications may be
disrupted or completely disabled due to damaged facilities,
widespread power outages, and lack of access by restoration
crews into the affected area.
DACA could provide temporary emergency communications to
emergency management officials, first responders, critical
infrastructure industry personnel, and the public to use their
day-to-day communications devices seamlessly during and
immediately after an emergency.
Most significant, the use of DACA to ensure quick
restoration of emergency communications could save lives. In its Notice of Inquiry, the Commission seeks comment on the deployment and operation of DACA technologies, the associated costs and benefits, coordinating and managing the use of DACA technologies; and authorizing the use of spectrum to support their operation. |