Slashdot Mirror
US Sets Up Emergency Multi-Band Radio Project
coondoggie writes "Looking to help eliminate the dangerous and inefficient hodgepodge of communication and network technology used by emergency response personnel, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today said it had picked 14 groups from across the country to pilot an ambitious Multi-Band Radio project.
In 2008, the DHS Science and Technology Directorate awarded a $6.2 million contract to Thales Communications to demonstrate the first-ever portable radio prototype that lets emergency responders — police, firefighters, emergency medical personnel and others — communicate with partner agencies, regardless of the radio band they operate on."
Oh, what a glorious way to waste tax dollars. First design a system, then require everyone to get on board with it. Price it through the roof and have a single vendor for all the gear. So some volunteer fire dept in Iowa that is on a shoestring budget has to spend thousands to upgrade radios. It will take years if it ever gets off the ground. This is _WHY_ amateur radio works, government has too many silos and too many important people that will push their system. Been there seen that, still paying the price. :(
Allow people with concealed-carry handgun permits to fly with their loaded handguns in the cabin.
Best idea of the year. Would be hijackers would never think of getting permits and carrying their own handguns!