Networks & Systems Commentary

Commentary

How satellite communications create a critical connectivity link for first responders

During the 2019 California wildland fires, at least 874 cellphone towers were unavailable because of power outages or tech issues and damage from fire and wind. Up to 57% of cell sites in impacted areas were not working. The situation created what the director of the state’s Office of Emergency Services, described as a “worst-case […]

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U.S. sets up new open RAN group amid telecom slugfest with China

Telecom probably didn’t need another open RAN association, but it seems to have gained one anyway. In a low-key announcement, the Open RAN Policy Coalition introduced itself to the world today as the latest group advocating a more open approach to the construction of radio access networks. “Open” meaning no Huawei, of course. For as […]

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Coronavirus is a wake-up call. Are you listening?

The ancient philosopher Heraclitus once opined that the only constant in life is change. But there is another one that impacts every city and county organization and the officials who manage them—sooner or later a natural or man-made event is going to wreak havoc with your organization’s operations. In some cases those operations will come […]

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Verizon, AT&T withdraw from smart-city efforts

Verizon and AT&T no longer have high-profile executives dedicated to smart city operations. And both have largely folded their smart city efforts into other business units. Specifically, Verizon’s VP of Smart Communities, Mrinalini (Lani) Ingram, left the company in September, and Verizon’s smart city efforts have been moved under Maggie Hallbach, head of Verizon’s Public Sector […]

Commentary

3 tips for mitigating the ransomware threat to government offices

In 2019, more than 140 local governments, hospitals, and police stations fell victim to malicious ransomware attacks. Various cities across Louisiana, Texas, and Florida are among many that have appeared in the headlines. This particularly malicious type of cybercrime has become a global issue whose reach and impact continue to grow. Recent reports claim ransomware damages could […]

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In a new data decade, constituent experience reigns

Over the years, humans have predicted fantastical feats would be achieved by 2020, from robot servants to public space travel. Now that 2020 is here, some of the accomplishments are different—but still grand. In the decade ahead, transformational technologies that better meet constituent needs will define the missions of local government leaders. Advancements in 5G, […]

Commentary

Real-Time Situational Awareness: Today’s Holy Grail

So, I have heard this expression before, but what does it really mean? Holy Grail: something that you want very much but that is very hard to get or achieve. Well, that seems about right, as “real-time situational awareness” or a “common operating picture” are goals that are often bandied about in public-safety and emergency-management […]

Commentary

Vehicle routers serving as tip of the 5G spear for public safety

Super Bowl television advertisements remain a staple of the American zeitgeist. Not surprisingly, Super Bowl LIV brought viewers a tempting glimpse of what 5G promises in the way of improved first-responder operations. Verizon Wireless advertisements showcased the company’s commitment to first responders, and they also put a spotlight on its technology expertise. The gauzy peek […]

Commentary

FirstNet Authority standards director recaps June 3GPP Plenary Meetings in Newport Beach, Calif.

The June quarterly Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) meetings in Newport Beach, Calif., addressed standards in several areas relevant to the evolution of the public-safety broadband communications and the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (NPSBN). The major topic across the 3GPP plenary meetings was planning for 3GPP Release 17 (R17). This release will be built […]

Commentary

How 3D location can increase situational awareness and improve operational efficiency

Public-safety responders put their lives on the line every day to protect citizens from threats of all kinds. For most of us, this dedication and effort is taken for granted, as it goes largely unseen. This is because police and fire departments—and other first-responder agencies—are committed to being responsive in emergency situations while ensuring that […]

Networks & Systems Commentary

Commentary

How satellite communications create a critical connectivity link for first responders

Partner content

U.S. sets up new open RAN group amid telecom slugfest with China

Partner content

Coronavirus is a wake-up call. Are you listening?

Partner content

Verizon, AT&T withdraw from smart-city efforts

Commentary

3 tips for mitigating the ransomware threat to government offices

Partner content

In a new data decade, constituent experience reigns

Commentary

Real-Time Situational Awareness: Today’s Holy Grail

Commentary

Vehicle routers serving as tip of the 5G spear for public safety

Commentary

FirstNet Authority standards director recaps June 3GPP Plenary Meetings in Newport Beach, Calif.

Commentary

How 3D location can increase situational awareness and improve operational efficiency

Commentary

How satellite communications create a critical connectivity link for first responders

As communities grapple with budget shortfalls, how will online and digital taxation change?

U.S. sets up new open RAN group amid telecom slugfest with China

Events

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IWCE 2019 Wrap Up

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.@ericsson announced an agreement to pay $1.1 billion to acquire @cradlepoint in a deal that is expected to close b… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

Emergency-services agencies in the UK are expected to stop using the Airwave TETRA #LMR system in 2024 or 2025, whe… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

#Cybersecurity is frequently compared to an endless game of cat & mouse. In the future, that game will change as th… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

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John Harris, @Verizon’s federal director of mobility solutions, said during his keynote at #IWCE2020 that the compa… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

FCC commissioners are scheduled to vote Sept. 30 on rules that would let states lease 4.9 GHz spectrum—50 MHz of wh… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…