Innovation Changes How First Responders Communicate
From 5G networks to specially equipped communications trucks and drones, the nation’s first responders have a growing arsenal of tech tools that keep them communicating during the worst kinds of emergencies.
BY JOHN KNOPF
One of the biggest challenges first responders face in emergency situations is receiving reliable information: Where is a fire heading? When is backup arriving? What equipment do they have? Have residents been evacuated? For first responders there’s the constant issue of terrain and topography, which can impede communications and complicate existing challenges when access to data is critical. Additionally, cell towers often become congested or damaged in emergencies, impairing communications between first responders, commanders and supporting agencies.
This article was written by John Knopf and appears on govtech.com dated July 24, 2019. To read the full article please click on the button below.
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Mission Critical Partners Wins National 911 Program Contract
Mission Critical Partners Wins National 911 Program Contract
MCP has been a professional services advisor to the National 911 Program since 2015. The objective of the current engagement is to provide technical, governance and operational support on various aspects of telecommunications and 9-1-1 services. A secondary element is to provide support for the National 911 Grant Program that is administered jointly by NHTSA and the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC)’s National Telecommunication and Information Administration (NTIA). The purpose of the grant program is to improve the nation’s 9-1-1 system with awards expected to be announced later this year.
“We are honored to be able to continue to support the National 911 Program and its vision of evolving today’s legacy 9-1-1 system to an interconnected, emergency communication ecosystem that incorporates advanced data sharing technologies,” said Kevin Murray, MCP’s chairman and CEO. “We understand the challenges faced by 9-1-1 agencies today and are excited to build upon our partnership with the National 911 Program to help speed the deployment of a modern 911 system across the nation that improves emergency response outcomes.”
MCP will also monitor the development of NG 9-1-1 technical standards; develop and deliver training to 9-1-1 Grant Program awardees; execute a bimonthly webinar series to support, inform and educate the 9-1-1 community; and build on the NG 9-1-1 Interstate Playbook, which provides guidance for implementing and interconnecting state-level NG 9-1-1 systems.
Created by Congress in 2004, the National 911 Program works with states, technology providers, public-safety officials and 9-1-1 professionals to ensure a smooth transition to an updated 9-1-1 system that takes advantage of new communications technologies. The program’s mission is to provide federal leadership and coordination in supporting and promoting optimal 9-1-1 services across the nation.
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