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| A system is being created to coordinate police and firefighters communications in LA County during major emergencies. But firefighters and others oppose placement of the system's cell towers. (Barbara Davidson/ Los Angeles Times) |
by Mike Dano, fiercewireless.com,
2 April 2015
The Los Angeles City Council voted to halt the construction of a massive 700 MHz LTE network that was intended to cover 4,000 square miles and 34,000 law enforcement, fire service and health service workers. The action casts a cloud over FirstNet, which is charged with building a nationwide LTE network for police, firefighters and other emergency responders.
According to Urgent Communications, the LA City Council voted 12-0 that "construction of the LTE system at city of Los Angeles fire stations and police stations not commence, or immediately cease, if started." The vote came just days after the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors also voted to halt the construction of the network.
According to various media reports, opponents of the network raised a range of concerns about the project. Some were worried that the construction of massive cell towers would reduce residents' property values. Others were concerned of the possible health effects from the operation of cell towers. Others said that the network was being built without input from the community with outdated specifications, was too expensive, and was largely unnecessary.
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