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International Association of Fire Chiefs and SkyTerra Publish Information Paper on Communications Interoperability
Paper Describes Capabilities of Satellite Mutual Aid Radio Talkgroups
Reston, Va., March 3, 2009
The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Technology Council, in cooperation with SkyTerra Communications, has published an extensive information paper on the Satellite Mutual Aid Radio Talkgroup Program (SMART™) and how it enables and improves interoperable communications for public safety operations.
The paper, A SMART™ Model for Interoperable Communications, provides an in-depth look at the network of nationwide and regional talkgroups that provide effective, interoperable communications for pubic safety and emergency response operations. The program is managed and administered by a variety of federal, state and local public safety organizations. The paper was developed by the IAFC Technology Council.
“Achieving interoperable communications nationwide is an increasingly high priority for policymakers as well as for the public safety and emergency response communities,” noted Chief Charles Werner, chair of the IAFC Technology Council. In the paper, Chief Werner describes how the SMART program tackles the financial and governance challenges that often impede the development of interoperable public safety communications. To use the SMART program, an agency must subscribe to SkyTerra’s service.
A SMART™ Model for Interoperable Communications is available for free download on the International Association of Fire Chief’s Web site - www.iafc.org - or by going to the SkyTerra Web site - www.skyterra.com. Printed copies of the paper can be requested at whitepapers@skyterra.com.
SkyTerra Communications Inc. (OTCBB: SKYT) is a joint venture between SkyTerra LP and SkyTerra (
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About the IAFC Technology Council (www.iafc.org)
The IAFC’s Technology Council serves as a knowledge center for technological developments that affect the fire service. The Council provides a forum for information and knowledge exchange among different stakeholders, including fire chiefs, public safety organizations and vendors. The IAFC is the voice of fire and emergency service leaders around the world. Established in 1873, the IAFC is a powerful network of more than 12,000 chief fire and emergency service officers who are the world’s leading experts in firefighting, emergency medical services, terrorism response, hazardous materials, natural disasters, search and rescue, and fire prevention and education.
About SkyTerra Communications (www.skyterra.com)
SkyTerra Communications (OTCBB: SKYT) delivers mobile wireless voice and data services primarily for public safety, security, fleet management and asset tracking in the
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