In Case of Breakdown: Dreams and Dilemmas of a Common European Standard for Emergency Communication

Abstract

Communication networks for emergency services (police, ambulance, fire brigade) are among societies’ most critical infrastructure. Before the 1990s, small local or regional analog radio communication networks were used for emergency services all over Europe. Emergency services used different frequencies, standards, and operating protocols. In most cases the systems were not standardized at the national level. As a result, cross-border communication between these networks was very difficult. The (legal) regulation of cross-border cooperation among emergency services has been intensified since the 1980s. Agreements were initially characterized by local, short-term arrangements between particular villages or cities.