Reliable and Relevant National Communications System

Abstract

Abstract : The National Communications System is a federal government command and control emergency communications system that requires a complete comprehensive review and emerging technological overhaul to ensure its reliability and relevance. Since its establishment in the early 1960s the system has gone through several organizational restructurings and System upgrades. With our nation under increased terrorist threats within our borders the reliability of the National Communications System is under extreme scrutiny. In 2002 a Presidential Directive transferred oversight of the organization from the Department of Defense to the newly established Department of Homeland Security. This paper will analyze the current National Communications System review its origins and recommend emerging technological improvements to support the National Security Council. It also will review the needs of federal state and local governments and then recommend implementation of emerging technological capabilities to enhance system reliability and relevance. Today more than ever before the commercial telecommunications infrastructure provides critical communications connectivity for our government's daily operations as well as emergency communications. The roles of civilian communications companies and their infrastructure also will be analyzed as it applies to emergency national communications support.