The FirstNet public safety communications platform - built with
'Public safety is called upon to handle emergencies every single day. They have to be ready for the worst with the best tools to help them respond safely, efficiently and effectively,' said
'FirstNet is the only wireless communications platform that's been architected from the ground up just for the public safety community. It's specifically designed to advance public safety communications, equipping subscribing first responders with the innovative, mission-focused tools, technologies and features they can't get anywhere else.'
That includes a giant addition to the FirstNet disaster response arsenal: FirstNet One - an approximately 55-foot aerostat. More commonly known as a blimp, the FirstNet One aerostat is the 76th deployable network asset to join the nationwide FirstNet fleet.
FirstNet One brings a first-of-its-kind public safety communications solution to help keep responders connected during large-scale, catastrophic events:
Can fly up to 1,000 feet, potentially providing over 2 times the coverage area as compared to other deployable solutions, like Satellite Cells on Wheels and Flying Cells on Wings(TM) (COWs).Fully operational in windspeeds up to 50 mph and capable of withstanding windspeeds up to 70 mph.Able to stay aloft for about 2 weeks before needing additional helium top-off, giving first responders wide-scale portable connectivity over an extended period of time.Tethered to a trailer to provide either satellite or wireline backhaul.Reduces the need for multiple ground-based portable cell sites, freeing those dedicated assets to be used by other agencies nationwide.
The aerostat was recently tested in
'Testing FirstNet One at the historically significant
Like the other 75 portable assets - including 3 Flying COWs(TM) - FirstNet One will be available 24/7 at no additional charge to FirstNet subscribers for potential use during major incidents. Disasters where FirstNet One could be deployed include major hurricanes like last year's Hurricane Michael, where FirstNet assets were deployed for 3+ months in the
'Witnessing the FirstNet One aerostat airborne test was fascinating and being onsite to see the operations and speak with the team reinforced the value of the FirstNet communications platform,' said
So far this year, public safety has turned to FirstNet deployable network assets for additional support during 450+ emergencies and planned events - like sporting events, parades and training activities vital to keeping first responders mission-ready.
For example,
Santa Clara County Sheriff Search and Rescue Technical Rescue Coordinator
FirstNet subscribers also continue to benefit from permanent network enhancements as we aggressively expand FirstNet's coverage and capacity across the country. Using all AT&T LTE bands, FirstNet already covers over 99% of the
'After experiencing wireless data connectivity issues, we began searching for a solution. We field-tested several FirstNet devices and received an overwhelmingly positive response from all the users, so we made the decision to switch all city departments to FirstNet,' said Captain
And, FirstNet goes beyond delivering reliable, unthrottled connectivity to public safety. With more than 100 FirstNet Ready(TM) devices and 100 approved apps in the FirstNet App Catalog, public safety agencies across the country are continuing to turn to the innovative tools in the FirstNet ecosystem to cost-effectively advance their routine and emergency responses.
For example, a public safety agency in
We also plan to launch FirstNet Push-to-Talk in early 2020. This is a standards-compliant, mission-centric solution that's being purpose-built for public safety. It's designed to further advance first responders' communication capabilities with reliable, high-performance calling.
'Since its launch, FirstNet has created a dedicated marketplace for public safety broadband communications that never existed before, and we are only scratching the surface on the innovations this network is driving,' said FirstNet Authority's
FirstNet is public safety's dedicated, nationwide communications platform. It's bringing public safety communications into the 21st century with new, innovative capabilities to strengthen first responders' incident response. And it's helping them connect to the critical information they need - every day and in every emergency.
Go here for more FirstNet news. Or check out FirstNet.com to learn more about the program.
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*About
We help family, friends and neighbors connect in meaningful ways every day. From the first phone call 140+ years ago to mobile video streaming, we innovate to improve lives. We have the nation's fastest wireless network.** And according to America's biggest test, we have the nation's best wireless network.*** We're building FirstNet just for first responders and creating next-generation mobile 5G. With a range of TV and video products, we deliver entertainment people love to talk about. Our smart, highly secure solutions serve nearly 3 million global businesses - nearly all of the Fortune 1000. And worldwide, our spirit of service drives employees to give back to their communities.
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