DC NET will improve the city's emergency services and preparedness by streamlining communications between law enforcement, vital city departments, Federal emergency teams, and the public via radio, telephone, computer, and wireless handheld devices. With DC NET in place, the 911 radio and telephone network will be faster, more reliable, and always available. There will be no more busy signals and no more disconnected calls that result from the city's infrastructure. The DC NET project began in 1999 when the District opened negotiations with Comcast on a cable TV "franchise" agreement. Under the agreement, Comcast committed to providing the backbone for a private fiber-optic communications network. From this point, the District began developing a citywide voice and data communications system. Through DC NET, the District also plans to make new wireless systems a seamless part of its existing emergency services communications system. By 2004, District police officers, emergency, fire, and medical personnel could be equipped with personal digital assistant devices that have wireless and location capabilities. This will enable dispatchers to identify quickly where personnel are located and whether they are available to assist in an emergency situation. Once DC NET is in place, the District plans to subcontract significant portions of the operation, maintenance, and construction of DC NET to a number of private vendors.