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Ensuring reliable first-responder communications inside buildings critical to public safety

• 30th October 2014

Many emergencies occur inside structures, so first-responder communications require in-building coverage that is complete, reliable and flexible enough to support myriad technologies. All-digital DAS solutions may be the answer.

NATE announces new Public Safety Agency membership category

• 28th October 2014

The National Association of Tower Erectors (NATE), a non-profit trade association in the wireless infrastructure industry, announces a new membership category designed to serve industry members in the government and public-safety arenas.

Partnerships are much more than contracts—an important distinction for FirstNet

• 23rd October 2014

By Andrew M. Seybold. Partnerships are vital to FirstNet. Given this, FirstNet must have the ability to seek out and discuss potential partnership agreements, without having to resort to RFI/RFP rigid rules and regulations that hamper all those who work in the federal environment.

FirstNet is not a master of its own fate

• 7th October 2014

Overreaction by some within the federal government to allegations made by former FirstNet board member Paul Fitzgerald have cost the organization valuable time in its quest to design and build a nationwide broadband network for public safety.

Ideas for managing the growth and complexity of public-safety LTE networks

• 2nd October 2014

Newfield Wireless CEO Marc Bensadoun explores the challenges facing FirstNet and carriers wanting to provide broadband mobile data services over LTE to public-safety users that require higher levels of coverage and reliability than commercial systems traditionally have provided.

Unfinished Business

• 1st October 2014

There are some very critical spectrum and regulatory developments today that deserve front-page coverage in wireless news reports. These stories include how best to implement net neutrality, how and when incentive auctions are to be conducted in portions of the broadcast spectrum, FirstNet’s efforts to commence a national broadband network dedicated to mission critical requirements, the FCC expanding its mission to include cyber security, and, how best to provide commercial access to Federal Government bands, to name just a few.

Lest we forget, however, as we approach the end of 2014, there are a host of other regulatory and spectrum matters that are nevertheless critical to private land mobile interests.

How participation in the National 911 Profile Database matters to PSAPs nationwide

• 25th September 2014

By submitting information to the National 911 Profile Database today, states can help 911 officials and public-safety answering point (PSAP) directors identify helpful operational trends and “make the case” to elected leaders at all levels for funding to pursue initiatives such as next-generation 911, according to Harriet Miller-Brown, president of the National Association of State 911 Administrators (NASNA).

Land mobile radio: Why moving to IT makes sense

• 8th September 2014

By leveraging the combined technical expertise and practices of its IT department and traditional LMR radio personnel, the city of Richardson, Texas, was able to install an open-source P25 system for public safety and realize considerable cost savings, according to Richardson CIO Steve Graves.

Tips for hiring and training radio technicians

• 16th July 2014

Throughout the industry, there is a shortage of good radio technicians, but dealers can close this gap by following best practices for hiring and training employees.

Who Receives New Spectrum is a Pivotal Decision

• 24th June 2014

The last time we had a new allocation of spectrum for industrial/business licensees was in 1985. Reagan was president, the first dot-com was registered, and a gallon of gas was $1.07.