News FirstNet receives multiple capability statements, ‘optimistic’ about RFP competition 31st March 2016 FirstNet receives multiple capability statements from potential offerors—the strongest indication to date that there will be bidders vying for the right to build and maintain FirstNet’s much-anticipated nationwide public-safety broadband networks (NPSBN).
Commentary IWCE 2016 showcases signs of real convergence, not just hype 31st March 2016 The intersection between traditional critical communications and the commercial telecom arena that was on display at IWCE 2016 last week took the trend to a new level, with convergence being manifested in ways that seemed unimaginable even a few years ago.
News FirstNet shares more details about state-plan process during the next year 30th March 2016 FirstNet plans to share public-safety broadband deployment plans with officials from each state and territory after a contractor is selected, but some proprietary information will need to be confidential and only limited changes will be considered during this period, FirstNet officials said during IWCE 2016 sessions.
Commentary FirstNet deserves kudos for high-profile role since RFP release, including at IWCE 2016 29th March 2016 When FirstNet released its RFP in January, some industry observers expected the organization to go silent, in an effort to avoid missteps that might result in a legal challenge. Thankfully, that has not been the case, with the latest example being FirstNet’s robust participation in sessions at IWCE 2016.
News Mississippi remains lone state holdout in FirstNet preparations 27th March 2016 Mississippi will receive a state plan from FirstNet regarding that outlines proposed public-safety broadband service within its jurisdiction, despite the fact that Mississippi continues to be the only state that has declined to engage in the FirstNet consultation process to date, according to a FirstNet official.
News Competition for FirstNet contract should be ‘fierce,’ Rivada Networks CEO Ganley says 27th March 2016 FirstNet’s request for proposal (RFP) is well done and should generate “fierce competition” for the right to build and maintain a nationwide public-safety broadband network (NPSBN), according to Declan Ganley, CEO of Rivada Networks—one of two entities that has stated publicly that it intends to bid on the project.
News Mutualink: Mike Wengrovitz showcases non-wearable IoT device featuring Intel’s Edison chip 23rd March 2016 Mike Wengrovitz, Mutualink’s vice president of innovation, explain how a public-safety Internet of Things (IoT) device powered by Intel’s Edison chip can enhance situational awareness, whether it is embedded into existing infrastructure or deployed as a standalone device.
Video Parallel Wireless, Mutualink: Steve Kropper, Joe Boucher explain companies’ Super Bowl collaboration with Sonim 23rd March 2016 Joe Boucher of Mutualink (left) and Steve Kropper of Parallel Wireless explain how their companies—along with rugged handset maker Sonim Technologies—quickly deployed a Band 14 LTE network to support first responders assigned to securing an activities area in conjunction with last month’s Super Bowl.
Commentary Governors likely will be missing key FirstNet data point, making opt-out decision even more precarious 22nd March 2016 By all accounts, states and territories that pursue the FirstNet opt-out alternative will face difficult timelines and logistical challenges. In addition, it appears that these jurisdictions will lack a key piece of financial information—how much value the FirstNet contractor has placed on the state—as they try to navigate the opt-out process.
News Virtual Network Communications: Mohan Tammisetti, Gary Monetti demonstrate credit-card-sized LTE evolved packet core, small eNodeB 22nd March 2016 Virtual Network Communications (VNC) founder and CTO Mohan Tammisetti and Gary Monetti, the company’s vice president of business development, demonstrate how the company’s small eNodeB and evolved packet core (EPC) can be leveraged to enable LTE multimedia communications in locations where an LTE fixed network is unavailable. VNC plans conduct its first manufacturing run of the products in June.
Latest 3GPP standards-development work includes new classes of HPUE, progress on mission-critical services 1 22nd April 2024
Is LMR the best solution for first responders? Should 4.9 GHz license go to the FirstNet Authority? 3 24th March 2024
Video Check out key takeaways from Disaster Management Symposium webinars, register to view archives Video: Opening of the Expo Hall on day three of IWCE 2023 Lynk CEO Charles Miller: The sky’s the limit
