No Noise! Safer Buildings Coalition Affirms FCC Rules for Signal Boosters - Issues Call to Action
Posted on December 21, 2020
ROSEBURG, Ore., Dec. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Safer Buildings Coalition ("SBC" – www.saferbuildings.org), an independent non-profit organization focused on eliminating in-building "Wireless Dead Zones", calls for the immediate convening of a task force to address public safety radio interference caused by the improper use of Signal Boosters commonly deployed to remediate poor in-building public safety and commercial wireless coverage. The details of this call to action are documented in a position paper entitled "No Noise".
Background The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) issued a recommendation to "provide all firefighters with radios and train them on their proper use." Since a high percentage of First Responder (especially firefighter) work happens inside buildings, it is common sense that these radios must function reliably in these locations. On February 20, 2013, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a Report and Order that affirms the local governments' authority to adopt ordinances, and/or fire or building codes that require signal boosters to be installed in certain buildings to ensure First Responders have reliable communications. [FCC's Rule and Order to Improve Wireless Coverage Through the Use of Signal Boosters, WT Docket No. 10-4.] Adoption and enforcement of codes and ordinances requiring effective in-building wireless coverage are steadily increasing in the US (and in Canada and other countries). While many buildings have benefitted from Signal Booster deployment, there have been recurring challenges. The increase in incidents where improperly deployed Signal Boosters have degraded or totally disrupted public safety radio systems is concerning and must be addressed in an affirmative way. This is the essential purpose of this position paper and call to action. Key Objectives of the No Noise Position Paper and Call to Action:
Among the key stakeholders sought for this task force:
The No Noise position paper proposes 18 Principles for Safe and Effective In-Building Communications. Call to Action: The Safer Buildings Coalition is calling for the immediate convening of a task force to address increasing public safety radio interference caused by improperly deployed Signal Boosters.
About the Safer Buildings Coalition The Safer Buildings Coalition is a 501(c)(4) not for profit focused on in-building technologies that seeks the following outcomes: Three Pillars of In-Building Public Safety Communications:
Visit us at www.saferbuildings.org
PRESS CONTACT: Mikkel Schultz, (215) 429-0966, [email protected]
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