The rise of specialized commercial offerings for first responders has raised significant questions for public safety agencies as to whether it makes financial and operational sense to continue to economically support stand-alone public safety radio systems. Does there continue to be a need for LMR-based systems? As LTE systems gradually add important public safety service needs, is it time to ramp down support for LMR systems? Does the spate of carrier outages mandate that private LMR systems continue? Will carriers ever solve the coverage issues that first responders struggle with when using carrier systems?

Takeaway

1. Whether to rely on carrier systems
2. Whether to continue to fund LMR systems
3. The limits of carrier responsibility for outages