Mobile broadbands may enable people to communicate with one another anytime, and this opens up the opportunity to save lives and properties in times of emergency. But despite the functionality of the mobile broadband, it seems unlikely for the service to be increasingly available for use.
This is according to a report draft released by the Productivity Commission in Australia on Sept. 23, Wednesday. According to a report from Computer World Australia, a dedicated mobile broadband network for emergency situations will enable frontline officers to have access to location tracking, high-speed videos and real-time images.
"Public safety agencies [PSAs] currently rely on their own radio networks for voice communications and some low‑speed data. Mobile broadband use has been modest due to concerns that the quality of commercial services is insufficient to support 'mission critical' operations," the Commission said in a draft report.
The Commission outlined on its draft the best way to establish the dedicated network by 2020 and intends to also bring the service to public agencies by that time. The cost benefits analysis also indicated that over the course of 20 years, the dedicated network will cost $6 billion. This is almost thrice the amount for the commercial option which is priced at $2.1 billion.
The Productivity Commission has also shown its preference for the commercial option over the dedicated mobile broadband saying, "A commercial option is cheaper because it requires significantly less new investment than a dedicated or hybrid option as considerable existing infrastructure could be used or shared." The Commission also noted that the commercial network is the most "efficient and economical way" of delivering the necessary service.
Australia's Productivity Commission also encourages people to evaluate its written draft report. The submissions should be written and submitted on or before Oct. 28, Wednesday. The Commission also indicated that the final version of the draft report will be available by the end of the year.
