By Paul Davidson, USA Today
New communication technologies, including mobile phones and instant messaging, are interfering more with police radios.
As the number of wireless subscribers increases, interference will become even more common, according to Ron Haraseth of the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials.
Some authorities believe the FCC has failed to take measures to head off the problem. According to these complaints, the FCC has not given appropriate attention to the needs of public safety agencies as it proceeds to auction airwaves at a premium to commercial carriers.
Critics of the FCC are concerned the agency is downgrading the needs of public safety agencies by continuing to allow carriers to construct powerful transmission towers that interfere with emergency transmissions.