Public Safety Advocate: ProSe Panned, Second-Generation PTT, QuickRoute

Public Safety Advocate: ProSe Panned, Second-Generation PTT, QuickRoute

This week there are a number of items of interest for those involved in public-safety communications. A rugged handheld device company has given up on ProSe while a Push-To-Talk (PTT) company is launching its second-generation products. And a U.S. Department of Home Security (DHS) report that outlines products designed to equip first responders with tools to make their jobs easier includes a navigation and directions product that is designed to make it easier for first responders to reach the scene of an incident…

FirstNet to Provide Backup for Iowa 9-1-1 Centers

The FirstNet public safety mobile broadband network will provide backup connectivity to Iowa 9-1-1 centers through an arrangement with Iowa Communications Network (ICN), a statewide fiber network. ICN provides connectivity to educational, healthcare and government facilities in the state, including providing primary connectivity to the 9-1-1 centers, also known as public safety answering points (PSAPs)… READ MORE

Pre-planning support to maximize FirstNet broadband capabilities

By Doug Harder, Senior Public Safety Advisor, First Responder Network Authority

Whether organizing a sporting event, updating an emergency response plan, or responding to a weather-related disaster, first responders know that pre-event planning is crucial to ensuring a successful and safe outcome.

That’s why the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) team offers advance planning and preparation support to FirstNet users. We work closely with public safety agencies to understand the event, identify first responders’ needs and desired capabilities for that day, and work with our network partner, AT&T, to identify what broadband solutions and coverage are needed to successfully support the event. As the number of FirstNet subscribers continues to grow nationwide, more public safety agencies are working with our team of experts and taking advantage of this unique and free service.

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House proposes $15 billion for NG911 funding in new infrastructure bill

House Democrats have proposed a massive infrastructure bill that would provide $15 billion in federal funds to pay for 911 centers nationwide to be upgraded to IP-based, next-generation-911 (NG911) technology. While all public-safety organizations support the notion of NG911 funding, there are some disagreements within the community about some language in the legislation.

Rep. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) last week introduced the infrastructure bill, the Leading Infrastructure for Tomorrow’s America Act, or the LIFT America Act…

FCC Releases List of Communications Equipment and Services Raising National Security Risks

FCC Releases List of Communications Equipment and Services Raising National Security Risks

Bringing to a close the process initiated with the adoption of the Secure and Trusted Communications Act of 2019, the FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau released its list of communications equipment and services that it has deemed to pose an unacceptable risk to U.S. national security.  US-based service providers are prohibited from receiving federal subsidies for purchasing the listed communications equipment or services (the “Covered List”), and service providers will be given an opportunity to receive federal funds to subsidize the removal and replacement of the communications equipment and services included on the Covered List…