Washington, DC - The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), and the National Sheriffs’’ Association (NSA) sent a letter yesterday urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to promptly resolve the 800 MHz interference problem.
The letter stated, “We are writing once again to urge the Commission to move quickly to resolve any lingering issues and adopt all of the key elements of the ''Consensus Plan’’ to address the 800 MHz interference problem.”
The letter noted that public safety has been waiting for resolution to this issue for over two years. In addition, the letter made note of attempts by the opposition of the Consensus Plan to impede progress by introducing new and sometimes unrelated issues. The letter referred to these attempts as " ... little more than calculated efforts to postpone and divert a decision.”
“Regulatory paralysis is not an option,” the letter stated. “Unless the Commission takes action now, the interference problem will continue without a comprehensive solution in sight, and sooner or later a first responder will be injured or killed because they failed to receive a critical radio message or were unable to call for help in a dangerous situation.”
About APCO International
The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials - International, Inc. - is the world’'s oldest and largest not-for-profit professional organization dedicated to the enhancement of public safety communications. With more than 16,000 members around the world, APCO International exists to serve the people who manage, operate, maintain, and supply the communications systems used to safeguard the lives and property of citizens everywhere. For more information visit www.apco911.org.