by AllThingsECC.com | Jan 28, 2021 | Articles, Comm Center News
The goal of FirstNet was to provide nationwide broadband coverage for all first responders and to enable them to communicate among each other over a dedicated public-safety network. The Band-14 spectrum (20 MHz in the 700-MHz band) is one of the many features that set FirstNet apart from commercial broadband networks. While Band-14 spectrum is sometimes shared with commercial users, it can be quickly re-designated for exclusive public-safety access.
MegaRange™ devices and Band-14 network upgrades announced this week are another major differentiator. Today, FirstNet is the only broadband network in the world licensed to provide two types of user devices. The first group consists of standard devices that can be used on most networks that operate at the 0.25-watt power level required by law…
by AllThingsECC.com | Jan 27, 2021 | Articles, Comm Center News
Public-safety organizations have more opportunity than ever to be efficient, interoperable and data-driven thanks to cloud computing, a panel of experts said during a webinar.
For instance, California’s Office of Emergency Service’s Public Safety Communications (PSC) Division turned to the cloud to use device-based location data for 911 callers. When that data first became available a few years ago, the equipment in the state’s public-safety answering points (PSAPs) couldn’t integrate it. Now, 82% of the state’s 911 calls come from mobile devices, and with cloud, dispatchers can immediately view location data on their screens and verify it with callers…
by AllThingsECC.com | Jan 27, 2021 | Articles, Comm Center News
With the growing amount of data, video, and information services (DV&IS) in the communications ecosystem, public safety agencies need priority access to advanced services to support national security and emergency response and recovery.
To further that goal, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is seeking feedback on a potential new requirement for two programs it manages: the Next Generation Network Priority Service (NGN PS ) and the Telecommunications Service Priority programs…
by AllThingsECC.com | Jan 26, 2021 | Articles, Comm Center News
What’s the news? FirstNet, Built with AT&T* – America’s public safety network – is driving innovation in lifesaving, public safety technology. Now, first responders have access to 4 new mission-driven solutions exclusively available to all FirstNet subscribers: FirstNet® MegaRange™, Z-Axis, FirstNet Compact Rapid Deployables™ and Land-Mobile-Radio (LMR) interoperability for FirstNet Push-to-Talk (PTT). And, for the 3rd consecutive year, Frost & Sullivan recognizes AT&T for driving visionary innovation in public safety by introducing ‘smart’ solutions that cater to the evolving demands of first responders…
by AllThingsECC.com | Jan 23, 2021 | Articles, Comm Center News
By Kyle S. Richardson, Senior Public Safety Advisor, First Responder Network Authority
Emergency management thrives on good communication, and good communication is based on good information—pertinent, timely information. As a senior public safety advisor for the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority), I work with emergency managers and other officials to understand their current public safety communications, and what they need and want in the future.
One big thing I hear is that, with advances in broadband technologies, emergency managers now have access to more and better information than ever before. FirstNet, the nationwide public safety broadband network, is a key to accessing these new data sources at the right time and the right place. READ FULL ARTICLE
by AllThingsECC.com | Jan 20, 2021 | Articles, Comm Center News
Let’s get one thing straight: no one signs up for the 911 profession, and asks for the PTSD that often accompanies it. No job description has ever said “How would you like to serve your community and help others, all while undergoing major personality changes and questioning your own sanity?” Turnover in the 911 field is abysmal, which is why I’m dumbfounded that we are not doing more to take care of those who are truly invested in this profession. It boggles my mind that we sink so much money and time into training programs in an attempt to turn out high quality employees, and yet the mental health aspect is ignored completely…
