Comment submitted by T. Rachfalski

This comment concerns interoperability from a systems and hardware standpoint (e.g. not spectrum/frequency allocation). There is too much emphasis being placed on purchasing NEW radios, which can be very expensive. The P25 radio standard is helpful, but equipment and solutions already exist RIGHT NOW to provide full, tested, proven, true interoperability between EXISTING HF radios, UHF radios, VHF radios, cell phones, etc. For example, L-3 Communications has a Communications Switch that is already providing total interoperability for the U.S. Coast Guard and Navy TODAY. This solution can tie all types of existing radios together immediately, and includes additional features such as automatic circuit switching and planning, to give the operators/managers full control and flexibility. I suggest SAFECOM continue with its efforts to create necessary standards and guidelines, but at the same time GET EXISTING SOLUTIONS INTO THE PUBLIC'S HANDS NOW. Providing immediate solutions would give the program some proven successes and positive press, while continuing to build the standards needed for long-term management.