Verizon Wireless has been selected by federal govt. to make short...

would be first city to have wireless priority access system to ensure that public safety agencies had uninterrupted access to wireless networks during emergencies (CD Nov 5 p1). Verizon Wireless won first contract for priority access system for wireless networks, with Washington to be first to receive service, followed by N.Y., NCS spokesman said. Formal announcement is expected later this week. Federal govt. is interested in adding Salt Lake City to initial contract, city where Winter Olympics will be held in Feb. Govt. hasn’t chosen carrier for longer term priority access solution. Financial value of short-term contract to Verizon Wireless wasn’t available. FCC spokeswoman confirmed that Verizon Wireless had applied for waiver from Commission to provide wireless PAS. Waivers have been expected for a short term solution because system would be put together in too short a time to provide all of PAS capabilities laid out under FCC guidelines issued last year. In that order, FCC had allowed commercial mobile radio service providers to offer, but didn’t require, PAS to govt. public safety workers in emergencies. NCS spokesman confirmed system would provide emergency access on mobile networks to officials such as national security personnel, parts of executive branch, members of Congress and federal, state and local emergency officials. Since Sept. 11 renewed interest in having wireless PAS system available, CTIA said industry would be able to do so for 500 people within 60 days. NCS also is soliciting proposals for longer term, more comprehensive system, to begin rollout by end of 2002. Before system can begin operating, FCC waiver is needed, although agency already has expressed interest in expediting process, NCS’s Greene said.