Local

New product would help first responders communicate when cell service knocked out

SEATTLE — When disaster strikes an area, cell service is often knocked out. That's why first responders are looking into a product called FirstNet -- which would could help keep the lines of communication open.

The people behind FirstNet are working to convince first responders in our area that we need a new cellular system assigned just for them.

"It's going to change the way that police officers, firefighters and paramedics work,” said FirstNet senior advisor Bill Schrier.

Schrier says a cellular band separate from commercial use would mean fewer dropped calls or network congestion, especially during an emergency.

One example he pointed out was the 2014 Seahawks victory parade in downtown Seattle, when cellular networks jammed and affected the work of local law enforcement.

"FirstNet, with its priority to first responders, would take care of that,” said Schrier.

"Is it going to work as well as what we have now?” asked KIRO 7 reporter Patranya Bhoolsuwan.

"It should work better,” said former Seattle police assistant chief Jim Pryor.

Pryor, who's now a public safety consultant, says if the system works as it should, it would be critical for a city like Seattle.

He says the recent Cascadia Rising emergency drill proves communication is key in case of an earthquake or other disaster.

"I think people are waiting to see what contract looks like,” said Pryor.

A contract to run FirstNet is expected to be awarded to a private company by the end of the year.

Each public safety agency then has a choice to choose the system or stick with its current cellphone company.

Currently, FirstNet is promising what first responders, like Seattle fire, will be paying would be equal or less than their current carriers.

"What we promise, prices won't be more and products will be superior,” said Schrier.

The state of Washington also has a choice of opting out of FirstNet.

But if they do, they would have to foot the bill of deploying and operating the system, which would run into the hundreds of millions of dollars.