48 I ICT TODAY
By Tracy Ford
THE FUTURE
OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VIA WIRELESS,
SMART
TECHNOLOGIES,
AND THE
CONNECTED
BUILDING
Wireless connectivity is essential for first responders and the general
public's safety. First responders need in-building connectivity to be
able to communicate with each other during times of crisis to shape
the best outcomes during an emergency. In addition, people need
to be able to communicate with first responders where they live,
work and play. Going forward, new technologies, such as fifth-
generation (5G) cellular technology and the rollout of spectrum
at 3.5 GHz, will enable a host of security and other measures that
will enable communities to become "smart." Connectivity often
goes beyond the building and across the campus. Apartment
complexes, commercial real estate buildings and even industrial
campuses are comprised of indoor and outdoor spaces. In order
to make sure that appropriate security measures exist throughout
these areas, more wireless antennas, more associated equipment,
and a robust optical fiber backbone need to be in place.
Today, about 80 percent
of calls to 911 come from
cellphone users, and about
80 percent of all cellphone
use takes place inside
of buildings.
