ARES in the Coming Age of FirstNet

Lately I have been hearing a lot about FirstNet, the First Responder Network Authority. [FirstNet and its possible implications for ARES and amateur service emergency, disaster response and public event communicators was discussed in ARRL CEO Tom Gallagher's, NY2RF, editorial Second Century on page 9 of the June 2017 issue of QST, "Fighting the Last War, or the Next?"] Some amateurs are alarmed that it will take away from the role of ARES and RACES, and even present the end of these long-serving organizations. I disagree. But first, what is FirstNet?

In 2012, a law was passed to try to address some of the myriad of problems that had been identified from specific events (9/11,Hurricanes Katrina, Sandy that have plagued emergency and disaster response for decades -- interoperability, coverage, inter-connection, and leveraging modern technology. FirstNet was established as an independent authority within the NTIA (National Telecommunication and Information Administration, the regulator of frequencies for government use) under the Department of Commerce to provide emergency first responders with the first nationwide, high-speed broadband network dedicated to public safety. Since then, FirstNet has been in development.

FirstNet's network is described at FirstNet.gov. Imagine a first responder being able to use a device like a smartphone to send images or real time video of an incident to include metadata like coordinates, altitude, azimuth, temps, etc., to an incident command post or EOC on their own dedicated network. Imagine all the EOCs in a state (city/municipal EOCs, county EOCs, and state EOC) being linked together over their own dedicated system for real time data sharing. Or an Incident Command being able to follow search and rescue efforts in real time or be able to place markers/objects on shared maps for the units in the field to see on a device. FirstNet could merge multiple, separate, disjointed systems into one seamless platform, suite, and system. Perhaps FirstNet can lead to widespread use of augmented reality (information overlays on smartphone cameras or even heads up displays - HUDs).

The bottom line is that our first responders and emergency/disaster managers who put their lives on the line really need something better than what they have had and FirstNet is a step in the right direction. So getting upset that our police officers, firefighters, medical personnel, and so on might get some much needed tech refreshes of their communication systems is shortsighted. We should be supporting this kind of game changing technology for the benefit of all of us in this day and age of elevated natural and man-made hazards.

Implications for Amateur Radio
So, what does this all mean for us as ARES/RACES/ACS operators? Let's start this discussion by reviewing what we traditionally bring to the table:

1) We can operate without infrastructure, away from commercial power and vulnerable fixed antennas.

2) We can communicate with areas that may be difficult for other services to cover and we can adapt to situations on the ground quickly.

3) We can act as "remote sensors" or observers, a great example being what we do with the National Weather Service and the SKYWARN program.

4) We can operate independently from everyone else, so we don't tie up their communications system resources.

5) We can disseminate critical information to our neighbors and communities,and conversely, pass back to the EOC damage reports and requests for assistance.

6) We have a long history of experience in working with incident commands, EOCs, and NGOs.

7) We can take away some of the burdens of communications tasks from officials, administrators and professional radio operators who are busy with other things.

Once the FirstNet system is fully up and operational (this is going to take some time), most of what we bring to the table remains the same as above and continues to add value. Granted, FirstNet will be designed with more hardened, robust support mechanisms, but they will remain vulnerable to cyberterrorism, and other manmade and natural stressors. We will still be able to fill in the gaps when the inevitable occurs.

We will still be able to act as remote sensors and observers, offering ground truth coverage unmatched by any other service, man or machine alike. Think about it -- much of our weather spotting service dates back to long before the modern, sophisticated radar and personal weather station coverage we have now, yet the need for our services has not been negated - indeed, it has been increased. And our service is not limited to weather spotting, obviously - we remain valuable as sensors/observers at public events, emergencies, and potential and actual disaster areas. We are eyes and ears for all environments - even the mundane, every day need for "see something, say something."

Another largely ignored area of involvement that will remain intact after the induction of FirstNet is our ability to get information and requests to and from a critical central location (incident command, EOC, etc.) into and out of our neighborhoods, where we live.

So, by now, I hope that you are getting the picture:
FirstNet really does not sound the death knell of ARES and RACES.

But, by the same token, we need to continue to develop our own systems, taking advantage of the spectrum resources we have, to do more to enhance our utility to the public safety community and the public.
There are a plethora of examples of such developments, including the exciting development of our own "broadband" systems such as MESH networking. We will keep on keeping on.
-- John Bloodgood, KD0SFY,
Emergency Coordinator and Public Information Officer, Region 2 District 2, Colorado ARES (Pikes Peak ARES)

[As ARRL CEO Gallagher stated at the end of his editorial referenced above, "This topic is too large for a mere editorial. Over the ensuing weeks and months, we will attempt to bring you the most informed thinking from subject matter experts, and you can be the judge. I urge you to participate by e-mailing us at [email protected] with your comments on where and how radio amateurs may have the most value in the new scheme of things. Look to ARRL's print and digital media for a healthy debate."]

SOURCE
www.arrl.org/ares-el?issue=2017-06-21