• Communications = a process of transferring information from one entity to another
• Operable = able to operate/perform your duties
• Interoperable = able to exchange and use information
• Interoperability = ability to work with each other

With all the talk of communications interoperability and all the money we’ve spent since 9/11, you’d think this problem has been solved. Perhaps it has in some specific cases, but for the majority of U.S. communities — despite the best of intentions — interoperability as well as basic communications operability is still lacking as a fundamental cornerstone of our local, regional, and national preparedness.

When disaster strikes, is your community able to transfer critical information to those who can help? Do you have the communications tools to share information if your local telecommunications infrastructure is down? What if you have to change your operational location? Can you take these tools with you? Who provides power?

As a precursor to interoperability, be sure to address your communications operability needs to make sure you can connect and coordinate with the people, processes, and systems that will make a real difference in your ability to care for your community. With this preparedness fundamental in place, you are then in a position to begin the process of establishing interoperability amongst the people, processes and agencies that can make your response profile even more effective.

Remember — you can’t be interoperable if you aren’t operable. After all, our capacity to work together begins with a willingness AND an ability to share information.

Check out these resources:

• DHS’s National Emergency Communications Plan
• Interoperability via Satellite: Breaking Communications Barriers by Intelsat General Corporation
• CommsFirst, Inc., a managed services provider of operable and interoperable communications