Broadband

The requirements for a nationwide public safety broadband network emerged following 9/11 when the 9/11 Commission recommended establishing such a network to address communications issues for emergency responders. The public safety community, which includes fire, rescue, medical, and emergency management systems, supports these requirements and has participated in numerous activities aimed at developing a useable and operationally relevant system.

Broadband, or transmissions via internet access through high-speed networks, including cable, satellite, and Wi-Fi, provides the greatest promise for public safety use because of the ability to access video and images. Cybersecurity is a key component of these plans, in recognition of the need for secure communications, to include wireless. First Responders Network Authority (FirstNet) is an independent authority within the US Department of Commerce charged with deploying the nationwide public safety broadband network.

Check Your Knowledge

Choose the best answer to each question:
Question 1
True or false? FirstNet is the first instantiation of the nationwide broadband network. 
True
False
Question 2
Broadband is defined as _____________.
transmissions via internet access through high-speed networks
low-speed transmissions across a broad network spectrum
transmissions via satellite access through networks
transmissions via internet access through moderate-speed networks
Question 3

A public safety broadband network will provide the capability to secure and control access to ______________.

networks, applications, and data
emergency personnel
public safety policies
suspicious threat actors
Question 4
Cybersecurity capabilities of the nationwide public safety broadband network must ___________ the ability of public safety to complete its mission.
complement
augment
impede
modify
Question 5
The nationwide public safety broadband network's cybersecurity capabilities will be ________ compared to traditional mobile carriers.
unique
similar
identical
more widely used