The FirstNet Network Expands Across Arizona to Advance Public Safety Communications Capabilities on US93

Arizona’s first responders got a major boost in their wireless communications with the addition of new, purpose-built FirstNet cell sites and other network enhancements along US93

Now FirstNet is here in our area to provide first responders with state of the art communications. In rural areas like Mohave County FirstNet's Band 14 allows the use of HPUE High Power User Equipment.

HPUE like mobile routers that have 6 times the power of cell phones, that's 1.25 watts rather than 0.2 watts. Using external antennas they can expand FirstNet coverage in fringe areas to all first responders on the call. 

FirstNet is a stand alone network authorized by Congress and built  for first responders after 9-11.... The First Responder Network Authority also known as FirstNet 

In rural areas like Dolan Springs and Meadview FirstNet is working closely with local telecom providers across the country. This collaboration is helping to more quickly address rural coverage needs and expand the reach of FirstNet for the public safety community. FirstNet Equipment Grants 

Here's a couple articles on how FirstNet can reduce future capital costs for two-way radios while providing PTT Push-to-talk communications and all the advantages of broadband while increasing coverage. 

California fire district leveraging FirstNet, BeOn PTT from L3Harris to save significant LMR costs

One rural California fire district plans to lower its future LMR (Land Mobile Radio) capital costs about 60% by supplementing its VHF radio system with BeOn push-to-talk service from L3Harris delivered over FirstNet as part of a local public-private partnership that includes sharing tower sites, according to the fire chief spearheading the plan. (BeOn push-to-talk service is similar to Zello)

Arizona Leaders Gather to Discuss Public Safety Broadband

On March 27 2019, the State of Arizona held a public safety broadband forum for first responders, public administrators, and IT support personnel to discuss FirstNet and its impact on the state’s public safety broadband needs. More than 60 local, state, and federal public safety officials gathered in Phoenix to hear from government and industry leaders about the latest developments in FirstNet’s capabilities, discuss their network operational needs, and learn about recent FirstNet use cases.

Kevin Rogers, program manager for the Arizona DPS Technical Services Division, shared his experience during a FirstNet push-to-talk demonstration at the Arizona State Fair in October 2018. 

Arizona DPS deployed 50 devices to local first responders to communicate over FirstNet. The network proved successful, enabling first responders to share images to locate lost children, better track troopers, and locate counterfeit ticket sales.

LTE Set to Disrupt LMR

Mission Critical Communications 

By Frank Anderson

Tuesday, June 18, 2019 | 

A disruptive innovation creates a new market and value network and eventually disrupts an existing market and value network, displacing established market-leading firms, products and alliances.

Cellular Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks continue to mature, providing better coverage with more available bandwidth, a great migration is taking shape. Technology has advanced to provide push-to-talk (PTT) hard-coded radios and smartphone applications that transport PTT on LTE as an internet of things (IoT) device.

FirstNet for the Fire Service

As a member of the fire service, you know having the right tools improves response. Increasingly, your department relies on mobile applications to provide computer-aided dispatching, mapping tools, patient care reporting, and hazardous materials information. Unfortunately, you also know that during emergencies or large events, congestion on commercial networks can make your vital data sources unreachable or unreliable. FirstNet Equipment Grants

FirstNet provides a secure, reliable broadband connection so communications stay intact during your most critical moments.

Always-on connection, priority and preemption, innovative tools

Whether sending images of wildfires or downloading building plans, FirstNet provides fire personnel with improved network coverage and network priority, preemption, and quality of service. The FirstNet network also enables you to:

• Share images and video, or access weather and traffic data for a clearer operational picture as incidents unfold.
• Quickly and reliably connect to other agencies and jurisdictions.
• Track assets and personnel.
• Take the network along to remote locations using FirstNet's fleet of 72 dedicated network deployable assets, available at no cost to FirstNet subscribers, plus three flying Cells on Wings and an aerostat (or blimp).
• Use mapping applications that share lookout positions, escape routes, safety zones, and water sources.

 

Complementing radio networks, available for agencies or BYOD
(Bring Your Own Device)

FirstNet provides high‐speed data services and non-mission-critical voice to augment the capabilities of today’s Land Mobile Radio (LMR) systems. Because many firefighters depend on their personal mobile devices on the job, FirstNet is available for qualified, individual first responders who want to transition to the FirstNet network.

For public safety, by public safety

Through a robust consultation effort, the First Responder Network Authority works with the fire service community to ensure the FirstNet network meets your needs.

FirstNet Equipment Grants