by AllThingsECC.com | Jul 9, 2021 | Articles, Comm Center News
Given the popularity of telecommuting and the efficiencies it offers, remote work is likely here to stay. In fact, a few surveys have determined that fewer than one in five executives want to return to a pre-pandemic routine, and one in three employees would consider quitting their job altogether if forced to be in the office full time.
From 77 mobile towers burned in Britain to the Nashville, Tenn., bombing, a disturbing wave of anti-5G sentiment is rising across the nation and the globe. The claims not only threaten the widespread adoption of next-generation connectivity at a time when we need it most to bolster the economic recovery effort, but they also could serve to undermine efforts to bolster public safety by preventing the deployment of critical communications infrastructure…
by AllThingsECC.com | Jul 8, 2021 | Articles, Comm Center News
In this week’s Advocate, I will look at The FirstNet Authority’s expanding role as it works with countries around the world. Also this week, several federal organizations have decided to work together on digital-divide issues, while another group of federal agencies appears to be duplicating efforts that have been successful in the private sector, and NPSTC has announced this year’s awards. Then there is AT&T’s 5G in the cloud, and the Microsoft/AT&T agreement for the AT&T 5G core to be hosted in the Microsoft Azure cloud.
FirstNet and International Public-Safety Broadband Systems
The FirstNet Authority, created by the same 2012 law as the FirstNet network, has been overseeing the FirstNet (Built with AT&T) build-out and has reinvested funds into the network for enhancements such as adding 5G capabilities to the FirstNet core and adding deployables to the fleet…
by AllThingsECC.com | Jul 7, 2021 | Articles, Comm Center News
PCTEL, Inc. (Nasdaq: PCTI), a leading global provider of wireless technology, announced the launch of SeeHawk™ Central, a cloud-based reporting and automation platform for in-building critical communications network testing.
To ensure reliable indoor communications for first responders, local jurisdictions increasingly require building owners to verify compliance with strict radio coverage requirements using a grid-based testing method. The PCTEL® public safety network testing solution, which combines SeeHawk® Touch software with an IBflex® scanning receiver, has transformed the way this testing and reporting is conducted by replacing manual processes with an automated system that saves time and money. With SeeHawk Central, users of the testing solution will be able to securely upload data to the cloud, automate workflows, expand testing operations, and offer value-added reports to customers through a centralized, secure online platform…
by AllThingsECC.com | Jul 7, 2021 | Articles, Comm Center News
A new Senate bill, backed by 80 agriculture and other industry organizations, would ensure farmers and countless others who rely on GPS would not have to pay to fix interference issues created by Ligado Networks’ operation on the broadband spectrum.
U.S. Sens. Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Jack Reed (D-RI), and Mike Rounds (R-SD) introduced S. 2166, the Recognizing and Ensuring Taxpayer Access to Infrastructure Necessary for GPS and Satellite Communications Act, also known as RETAIN GPS and Satellite Communications Act.
In the letter, the organizations emphasized the importance of GPS for our society. “The reliability of GPS and satellite communications is necessary for safety of life operations, national security and economic activity; critical communications capabilities; commercial and civil aviation; first responders, 9-1-1 and other public safety operators; military readiness and communications; weather forecasting; the movement of goods on our highways; the marking maritime harbors and channels; farmers planting and harvesting crops; operation of construction and mining equipment—and the list goes on and on…
by AllThingsECC.com | Jul 7, 2021 | Articles, Comm Center News
By Michael Varney, Director of Stakeholder Collaboration, First Responder Network Authority
Natural disasters and other incidents, large or small, magnify the importance of secure, reliable communications. Network congestion, infrastructure damage, and incompatible radio networks are all problems that prevent responding teams from effectively communicating. In response to these challenges, Congress created the nationwide public safety broadband network, FirstNet, in 2012.
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by ECC Editor | Jul 4, 2021 | Articles, Comm Center News
Years ago, I worked as a consultant with a department that was having some serious conflicts between line firefighters and dispatchers. Because I was hired to work primarily with uniformed firefighters, I mostly heard their side of things. They told stories about dispatch errors and categorized dispatchers as lazy or incompetent. But when I asked what direct experience those firefighters had working and communicating with dispatchers apart from their own emergency response, the answer was very little.
When I suggested including dispatchers in the training sessions I was facilitating, I got strong pushback. “Why include them?” people asked. “We have nothing in common with them… READ MORE
