In a recent report, SNS Research predicted that the public safety LTE mobile broadband market will be worth $2 Billion per year by 2020. While the market is still in its early stages, agencies and vendors are already operating private LTE networks. The 400 MHz band is now available to public safety agencies worldwide and vendors are already developing products that can be deployed in the form of Cell in a Box (CiBoX) and airborne cells.
Despite the benefits of PSBN, there are still some challenges.
The current public safety LTE networks are not designed to support situational awareness applications, which can elevate the communication capabilities of first responders. For instance, wearable deployables can increase coverage in rural areas, but they can exacerbate barriers faced by first responders. While the use of these devices is not limited to public safety services, industry partners should ensure gender diversity and accessibility when developing solutions.
Wireless broadband for public safety applications will be the most dominant revenue contributor during the forecast period, with North America leading the market. North America comprises the US, Canada, and Mexico. These three major countries are making significant investments in wireless broadband technologies. Several initiatives are being undertaken by government officials in North America to promote the growth of their wireless spectrums. These initiatives are helping to create an interoperable wireless network. For instance, P25 technology is being used widely in North America because of its technical specifications. TETRA, on the other hand, is being used for public safety applications in RoW.
The development of PSBN is a complex process.
Across Canada, the public safety community will need support to make it happen. Ultimately, a PSBN will help Canadians stay safe. And it will foster new businesses and innovation. If successful, PSBN will help the public safety community leverage technology and work together to protect and serve the public. So, what are you waiting for? Start the journey today!
PSBN will provide the public safety community with a variety of mobile communications capabilities, including enhanced situational awareness, real-time monitoring, and video communication. PSBN will also improve emergency response and limit damage to property. The PSBN network will be part of Canada’s critical infrastructure and will align with the United States PSBN. FirstNet will enable cross-border interoperability and leverage a common market.
PSBN deployment will improve the resiliency of commercial networks, improve public access to wireless and 911, and avoid duplication of infrastructure. Moreover, it will provide public safety agencies with access to other spectrum assets. Thus, PSBN will be a critical element of the public safety LTE mobile broadband market in the coming years. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of nearly 30% over the next three years.
While establishing PSBN is a critical component of public safety operations, a successful PSBN implementation will be dependent on financial sustainability. While ISED plans to not auction off its 700 MHz public safety spectrum, it has committed to develop a licensing framework to ensure licensees meet key policy objectives. Moreover, the licensing framework will not be sufficient without additional governance and enabling mechanisms. These additional enabling mechanisms will help PSBN reach its full potential.