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NEWS
Federal Communications Commission

News Media Information 202 / 418-0500

445 12th Street, S.W.

Internet: http://www.fcc.gov

Washington, D. C. 20554

TTY: 1-888-835-5322

This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.
See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
May 23, 2012
Lauren Kravetz (202) 418-7944
Email: Lauren.Kravetz@fcc.gov
TECHNICAL ADVISORY BOARD FOR FIRST RESPONDER
INTEROPERABILITY SUBMITS REPORT TO FCC
Washington, D.C. – This press release is issued on behalf of the Technical Advisory Board for
First Responder Interoperability (Interoperability Board). The Interoperability Board was
established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) pursuant to Title VI of the
Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (Spectrum Act). The Interoperability
Board was required to develop recommendations for minimum technical requirements to ensure
a nationwide level of interoperability for the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network
(NPSBN) and submit those recommendations to the FCC. The recommendations are to be
ultimately submitted to the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet). Meeting its statutory
requirements, the Interoperability Board formally submitted their recommendations to the FCC
on May 22, 2012.
On March 22, 2012, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski appointed 14 members, who along with
one non-voting member selected by the National Telecommunications and Information
Administration (NTIA), and established the Interoperability Board. Chairman, Charles L.K.
Robinson and Vice Chairman, Kenneth C. Budka, were elected by the Board members. “The
FCC assembled a very talented team of professionals to take on the challenge of developing
these critical recommended requirements within a very compressed scheduled,” said Robinson.
The Interoperability Board worked in consultation with NTIA, the National Institute for
Standards and Technology, and the Office of Emergency Communications of the U.S.
Department of Homeland Security. The Interoperability Board also used subject matter experts
(SMEs), from both inside and outside the members’ organizations, which proved to be critical to
the quality of the Board’s work. “The representatives of the Consulting Agencies have been
thorough and forward thinking in helping the Interoperability Board meet its statutory
requirement,” said Robinson. The Board’s commitment to seeking the broadest possible input
within its constrained schedule aided them it developing a complete set of recommended
minimum technical requirements within the scope of the Spectrum Act.
These requirements not only seek nationwide interoperability but set a minimal baseline that, if
adhered to, can further an interoperable, multi-vendor network for first responders. “We [the

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NEWS
Federal Communications Commission

News Media Information 202 / 418-0500

445 12th Street, S.W.

Internet: http://www.fcc.gov

Washington, D. C. 20554

TTY: 1-888-835-5322

This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.
See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).

Interoperability Board] are confident that this work is a solid foundation for the NPSBN,” says
Robinson. Through the unique collaboration between all of the Interoperability Board members,
many SMEs, the Consulting Agencies and the public, the Board was able to successfully achieve
its legislative mandate within 60 days. With the requirement recommendations of the Board now
released, the Board anticipates that the FCC will continue to move forward in developing its
interoperability requirements for FirstNet focused on ensuring the interoperability of the
NPSBN.”
For further information, contact Interoperability Board Chairman, Charles L. K. Robinson at
(704)432-3539 or clrobinson@ci.charlotte.nc.us.
For more news and information about the FCC
please visit www.fcc.gov.
-FCC-

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