Public Safety & Communications Objective

Key Points:

• Prioritize broadband investments for Emergency Communications Centers (ECCs)
• Identify and address single points of failure in ECC broadband connections
• Develop map layers identifying underserved ECC locations

Small Business Perspective:

This objective offers no specific mention, focus, or benefit for small businesses under 20 employees in rural Idaho. While improved emergency communications could indirectly benefit all businesses, there are no targeted initiatives to help small businesses leverage improved connectivity for their own emergency preparedness or business continuity planning.

Big Business Perspective:

The public safety and communications objective demonstrates a 100% focus on initiatives that benefit big businesses and out-of-state corporations. Improved emergency communications infrastructure creates a more secure environment for big business operations throughout the state, potentially making rural areas more attractive for large-scale investments or as locations for remote workers.

Rural Impact:

While improved emergency communications could benefit rural communities, the narrow focus on this aspect of broadband deployment may divert resources from other critical needs in rural areas, such as supporting local economic development or addressing issues of affordability and digital literacy. The plan fails to address how improved emergency communications will be integrated with existing local emergency response systems in rural communities, potentially creating a disconnect between new technology and established local practices.