19/08/2010 By http://www.sfgate.com/ ( Source: http://www.sfgate.com/ )

$50 million stimulus grant for emergency WiFi

Even after the big one hits, potentially cutting off cell phones and internet access for everyday citizens, fire crews will be able to look at a computer screen in their truck to view the layout of a burning or collapsed building.

At least that's the idea behind a $50.6 million stimulus grant the U.S. Commerce Department awarded today to set up a dedicated wireless broadband network around the Bay Area for police, fire and other emergency responders.

Once the network is completed, public safety personnel across the region's 10 counties will have wireless access to high speed internet, allowing them to transmit images from an accident scene, for example, during both day-to-day operations and major emergencies, city officials said.

"When a major earthquake or disaster strikes next in the Bay Area, a regional, secure and dedicated communications network for our first responders will literally save lives, prevent further damage and protect public health and safety," Mayor Gavin Newsom said in a statement announcing the grant.

This network will be one the first of its kind in the nation to tap into a broadcast spectrum recently vacated by television stations, city officials said.

The network, with the oh-so-catchy name BayWEB, is part of the Bay Area Regional Interoperable Communications System, will allow voice and data communication among public safety personnel regardless of location, radio system or frequency band.