Latest News
News and updates from the Safer Buildings Coalition and our member community.
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PotterERCES and FirstNet
Potter Global Technologies has prioritized First Responder safety through fire suppression, mass notification, Fire Safety and Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement Systems (ERCES) for over 150 years. In the last 25 years there has been an increased effort to ensure that First Responders…
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Weather and Wavelengths
As the weather cools, the leaves fall and the air thins, many installers and integrators don’t consider how these changes may affect radio frequencies. This is most relevant when conducting site surveys and Emergency Responder Coverage Enhancement System (ERCES) commissioning. Atmosphere, foliage…
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Tools of the Trade
Getting into the Emergency Responder Coverage Enhancement System (ERCES) market can be a bit daunting at first. Between FCC Licensee coordination, understanding the AHJ’s requirements, getting the required certifications and licenses, installing the various active and passive components, commissioning the system…
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Code Confusion in the ERCES Market
For many in the Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement System market, code development has been a welcomed boost to business and a beneficial tool to opening the conversation between integrators and building owners. However, code development has also been a point of contention…
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AHJs and Licensees: Two Sides of the Same Coin
To receive a Certificate of Occupancy for a building, it is now required that the building has adequate radio signal strength for first responders to be able to reliably connect to their team inside and outside the building. Critical areas like elevator…
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FCC Petition for Rulemaking – Part 90 Signal Boosters
FCC RM-12009 | SBC Petition Filed July 2025 SBC filed a Petition for Rulemaking with the FCC requesting clear, enforceable rules governing Part 90 signal boosters used in Emergency Responder Communications Enhancement Systems (ERCES). The public comment period drew an extraordinary response.…
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SBC’s Unambiguous Support of FirstNet Reauthorization
The Safer Buildings Coalition strongly and unambiguously supports the permanent reauthorization of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet). We stand with the voice of public safety—IAFC, IACP, APCO, the Fraternal Order of Police, and the International Association of Fire Fighters—in urging Congress…
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Wireless Location Accuracy
FCC PS Docket No. 07-114 | SBC Comments Filed July 2025 “9-1-1 Inside”: Your ability to call for help and be accurately located should not depend on where you’re standing—especially inside buildings. The Challenge Network-based location approaches face fundamental limitations in complex…
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4.9 GHz Spectrum
FCC WP Docket No. 07-100 | SBC Comments Filed January 2022 The 4.9 GHz band offers high bandwidth and low latency characteristics ideally suited for next-generation public safety applications—data, video, telemetry, and Smart Fire Fighting technologies that require robust wireless connectivity inside…
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The Data Imperative – FCC Section 706 NOI
FCC GN Docket No. 25-223 | SBC Comments Filed September 2025 Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act requires the FCC to annually assess whether advanced telecommunications capability is being deployed “to all Americans” in a reasonable and timely fashion. SBC has filed…
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SBC Proposal: School Mode
Teachers Say Cell Phones Are a Problem. Parents Say Phones Are Essential. They Are Both Right. SBC issues White Paper that examines multiple facets of this hotly debated issue. IWCE session and Survey dive even deeper. By John Foley, Managing Director, Safer…
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NICET IB-PSC Exam prep and ERCES Installer class, Irving TX, February 24-25
Public safety BDA installation is complex—and the stakes are high. One mistake can compromise emergency communications or take down a donor site. This 2-day training equips installers with the critical skills to install, test, and commission systems that are code-compliant and interference-free.…
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SBC 2026 Seminars: An Overview of the Planning Process
Planning for the 2026 Safer Buildings Coalition Seminar season is already underway! We encourage our members to get involved by sponsoring and attending events as we take our mission on the road once again. Whether you are a returning sponsor or a…
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Inside the Safer Buildings Coalition Conference: Connecting Technology and Policy for Schools and Public Spaces
In mid-September, ADRF had the pleasure of attending the Safer Building Coalitions’ In-Building Wireless and School Safety Tech Conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to explore the challenges, solutions, technologies, and best practices associated with in-building wireless connectivity and school safety. …
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New Whitepaper: DragonSkin – New UL Listing
RFS Technologies is proud to announce that DragonSkin™ Fire-Resistive Cable is now fully compliant with UL 2196 Revision 3 (June 2025)—making it the only UL 2196 certified & listed RF coaxial cable designed for critical data and communication applications. Engineered for mission-critical…
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School Safety & Alyssa’s Law – Florida Legislative Update
Legislative Summary Florida Senate Bill No. 1470 (Committee Substitute) was signed into law as Chapter 2025-58 on May 21, 2025, establishing comprehensive school safety measures including Alyssa’s Law implementation, Guardian Program expansion, enhanced security protocols, and centralized emergency response systems. ⚠️ Effective…
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Cell Phones in Classrooms: Safety Tool or Distraction?
In an age where seconds count, the debate over mobile phone use in schools is more relevant than ever. SBC Managing Director, John Foley, explores both sides of this polarizing conversation in his latest piece, Call to Action: The Case for Allowing…
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Exhibit at a Seminar in 2025
SBC’s 2025 Seminar series will once again visit 27 cities, beginning with Greenville, NC on February 25, 2025. We filled most sponsorship slots, but opportunities remain open — both Speaking and Table-Top sponsorship slots are available for multiple events, including high-profile markets…
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Manufacturing Partnerships: Delivering Cutting-Edge DAS and ERCES Solutions
MCA’s Trusted Manufacturing Partnerships: Delivering Cutting-Edge DAS and ERCES Solutions At MCA, we know that reliable communication systems are critical for safety, productivity, and seamless connectivity. Our success in delivering Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) and Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement Systems (ERCES) is…
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Plenum Rated Radiating Cable from RFS Technologies
Date: October 22, 2024 RFS Technologies Launches Cutting-Edge ½” Plenum-Rated Radiating Cable for Enhanced RF Coverage [Meriden, CT] – RFS Technologies proudly announces the launch of its new ½” plenum-rated radiating cable, engineered to meet National Electrical Code standards for versatile…