This week, APCO learned that the year-end omnibus spending package agreed to by Congress will not include funding for Next Generation 9-1-1. APCO has been working for several years to obtain significant federal grant funding, upwards of $15 billion, to ensure that 9-1-1 professionals have the modern technology and best-available tools for their essential, lifesaving work. NG9-1-1 legislation advanced with bipartisan support and appeared likely to be included in the final agreement, but unfortunately it was dropped due to last-minute changes related to funding mechanisms, not opposition to NG9-1-1. APCO remains encouraged by the substantial bipartisan support and will continue advocating for NG9-1-1 funding next year.

On December 15, the FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau released an order addressing a request by a utility company, Illinois American Water Company, to share radio frequencies reserved for public safety entities. In the order, the Bureau acknowledged comments APCO filed in 2021 that did not oppose or support the request but urged the Bureau to preserve its strict standard for reviewing requests to share public safety spectrum. The Bureau partially denied the utility’s request, explaining that with regard to public safety 700 MHz narrowband channels, the utility failed to provide sufficient detailed information to demonstrate that a waiver is warranted.

Fortress Solutions, a Global Provider of Critical Infrastructure Management for Telecoms and Other Industries, Names John Shelnutt CEO