News Cost, coverage will be key to public-safety adoption of FirstNet, state officials say 16th July 2015 FirstNet is tasked with building a nationwide broadband network dedicated to public safety, but cost and coverage—not just prioritized service—will be critical factors in determining first responders’ willingness to subscribe to the much-anticipated FirstNet system, state officials said today.
News LA-RICS works toward September public-safety LTE deadline, struggles with RF-emissions opposition 14th July 2015 There is a lot of work to be done, but the Los Angeles Regional Interoperable Communications System (LA-RICS) still plans to complete the deployment of its public-safety LTE system by the end of September, although the project continues to receive opposition from groups claiming dangers from radio-frequency (RF) emissions.
News LA-RICS works toward September public-safety LTE deadline, opponents still claim RF-emissions danger 14th July 2015 There is a lot of work to be done, but the Los Angeles Regional Interoperable Communications System (LA-RICS) still plans to complete the deployment of its public-safety LTE system by the end of September, although the project continues to receive opposition from groups claiming dangers from radio-frequency (RF) emissions.
News FirstNet responses to draft-RFP queries provide some insight into potential plans, leave many questions unanswered 9th July 2015 FirstNet releases 217 pages of responses to 666 questions associated with its draft RFP documents, largely reiterating its openness to myriad approaches that would address the organization’s public-safety broadband mission, while acknowledging that decisions have not yet been made in several key areas that could impact the economics of potential bids.
Video ITEC: Walt Magnussen highlights key aspects of Winter Institute on Nov. 3-5 6th July 2015 Walt Magnussen, director of the Texas A&M University Internet2 Technology Evaluation Center (ITEC), discusses preparations for the third annual Winter Institute, where first-responder personnel can attend workshops and participate in an emergency exercise in which next-generation communications technology are used.
News FirstNet ‘linked at the hip’ with 911 community, plans to hire 911 expert, Swenson says 5th July 2015 DENVER—FirstNet may be focused on developing a nationwide broadband network for public-safety personnel in the field, but the organization has been working to ensure that its efforts align with those of the 911 sector, which also is migrating to an IP-based, next-generation platform, FirstNet Chairwoman Sue Swenson said.
News Next-gen 911, FirstNet need to interoperate effectively and efficiently, NENA official says 29th June 2015 FirstNet representatives have been receptive to the notion that the much-anticipate public-safety broadband network needs to operate cohesively with IP-based next-generation 911 systems, and 911 officials should work to ensure this vision becomes reality, according to a National Emergency Number Association (NENA) official.
Video Intrado: Scott Luallin, John Martyn highlight capabilities of Location Performance Management tool 22nd June 2015 Scott Luallin (left) and John Martyn, systems architects for Intrado, outline the capabilities of Intrado’s Location Performance Management (LPM) tool, which can be used to drive location accuracy and provide a methods to help users and network operators measure system performance levels at locations throughout the network territory.
Commentary Could federal-procurement rules result in FirstNet getting ‘snookered’ in deal with partners? 18th June 2015 Congress was careful to stipulate that FirstNet’s board include members with telecom backgrounds. However, there are questions whether federal-procurement rules will let those with such expertise participate in the RFP decision-making process. If they can’t, FirstNet Chairwoman Sue Swenson says FirstNet will have to take steps to make sure its doesn’t get “snookered” in an deal with a winning bidder or bidders.
Is LMR the best solution for first responders? Should 4.9 GHz license go to the FirstNet Authority? 2 24th March 2024
FirstNet Authority reauthorization needed as public-safety-driven network evolution proceeds 16th March 2024