News MCPTT ‘no longer just a theory,’ but off-network questions remain, according to webinar speakers 19th December 2018 Mission-critical-push-to-talk (MCPTT) services already have been deployed in real-world situations, and users should be confident in MCPTT voice when on a purpose-built LTE network, although the path to robust MCPTT when users are off network remains unclear, industry experts said during a recent webinar. AT&T has announced that FirstNet users should be able to subscribe […]
News FirstNet ‘primarily’ being used for voice communications to date, AT&T exec says 12th December 2018 Most FirstNet public-safety subscribers are using their broadband connectivity to support voice communications, and AT&T is utilizing the installation of gear to support operations on the 700 MHz Band 14 spectrum licensed to FirstNet to help prepare the carrier’s introduction of 5G services next year, according to an AT&T executive. AT&T President of Operations Scott […]
News PoC can replace LMR under certain circumstances, but not for mission-critical voice, speakers say 27th November 2018 Push-to-talk-over-cellular (PoC) technology can allow enterprises to halt investment in LMR systems for non-mission-critical users today, but PoC solutions and broadband networks need to evolve before similar decisions could be made for mission-critical personnel, panelists said during a recent IWCE webinar. Brad Stoddard, director of Michigan’s Public Safety Communications System, said PoC certainly can be […]
News Todd Early appointed as new chair of FirstNet’s Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) 20th November 2018 Longtime public-safety-broadband proponent Todd Early of Texas is the new chair for the Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC), FirstNet Authority Chair Ed Horowitz announced today. Early, who has been a PSAC member since 2015 and has been serving on the PSAC executive committee, replaces Interim PSAC Chair Paul Patrick, who recently was selected to serve […]
Video Cradlepoint: Todd Krautkremer highlights purpose-built edge solutions 14th November 2018 Todd Krautkremer, chief marketing officer for Cradlepoint, outlines the need for critical-communications entities to utilize appropriate edge solutions to complement subscription to dedicated LTE services offered by carriers that prioritize traffic. Krautkremer also highlights the company’s offerings to address interoperability and deployable challenges, as well as plans to provide customers with a migration path to […]
News Speakers: Next-generation 911 progressing, but key questions remain 9th November 2018 CHICAGO—Next-generation 911 (NG911) standards and development continue to progress, but the much-anticipated emergency-calling technology still faces a host of funding and policy challenges, according to speakers at this week’s IWCE’s Critical LTE Communications Forum. Brian Fontes, CEO of the National Emergency Number Association (NENA), said the need for NG911 is especially apparent as first responders […]
Video Samsung: Reg Jones showcases new CAD-enabled smartwatch 8th November 2018 Reg Jones, director of public-sector sales and solutions for Samsung Electronics America, demonstrates capabilities of one the company’s new Galaxy smartwatches that can be integrated with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) solutions from four providers. Announced today, the Galaxy smartwatch is IP68/MIL-STD, has a bezel that can enable gloved operation, and does not need to be tethered […]
Audio Samsung: Reg Jones discusses critical-comms space, previews CLC keynote 5th November 2018 Samsung Reg Jones podcast on 11-05 Reg Jones, Samsung Electronics America’s U.S. head of public safety, describes key shifts in the critical- communications arena and outlines Samsung’s roles in helping meet the needs of first responders. Jones will deliver a keynote address on Wednesday morning at IWCE’s Critical Communicationsl Forum in Chicago.
News Motorola Solutions execs cite continued strength of LMR business during earnings call 2nd November 2018 Motorola Solutions officials yesterday expressed encouragement by the company’s third-quarter (Q3) results, repeatedly citing strength within the company’s land-mobile-radio (LMR), which is expected to be bolstered by the signing of key contracts in the United Kingdom (UK) and the state of Florida. “I’m very pleased with our Q3 results that were led by North America,” […]
News FirstNet board gets five new members, Cox reappointed 31st October 2018 U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross today appointed five new FirstNet board members and reappointed board member Neil Cox, completing a significant overhaul of the group charged with overseeing AT&T’s deployment of the nationwide public-safety broadband network (NPSBN). According to a U.S. Department of Commerce (DoC) press release, the five new members are: Richard Carrizzo, […]
Updated: How ‘sidelink’ peer-to-peer communications can enhance public-safety operations 1 27th February 2023
