The US government is spending $968 million in grants to help state and local public safety agencies improve their communications systems.

The money will be used to buy more sophisticated radios and technology for communications during disasters. Police and fire departments and other emergency agencies in all 50 states with more dependable and interoperable communications will get the grant money.

Funding for the grants will come from expected proceeds of the FCC's 700 megahertz spectrum auction scheduled for later this year.

More here.