The FirstNet network build-out is helping AT&T to increase its network capacity by about 50% as it adds additional band support while turning up FirstNet's Band 14 spectrum, according to John Stephens, AT&T's CFO. Stephens spoke at the the Deutsche Bank Media, Internet and Telecom...
Motorola Solutions continues to expand public safety services and software portfolio
In its second recent acquisition, Motorola Solutions is picking up voice-over-IP dispatch provider Avtec for an undisclosed sum.
South Carolina-based Avtec offers "business critical" VoIP dispatch services over both Land Mobile Radio and broadband...
LAS VEGAS -- What does it take to host an ETSI plugtest event? A whole lot of bandwidth -- literally and figuratively -- months of planning, and a trio of adorable puppy mascots.
During a session at the International Wireless Communications Expo, Walt Magnussen, director...
LAS VEGAS -- While 5G discussions often revolve around what the technology can provide to consumer and industrial users, the focus on Wednesday was what 5G will be able to enable for first responders.
During a session at the International Wireless Communications Expo, there was...
Nearly 80 percent of all 911 calls originate from a wireless device. This is not surprising, given that over half of households in the U.S. have given up landline phones and rely solely on wireless devices. This is a rapid increase from 15 percent...
Last week Siyata Mobile said Bell Mobility is now offering the Uniden UV350 push-to-talk device in Canada. Siyata has been testing their devices and software for a while on the Bell Mobility network, so winning this approval is important. So, if that’s the case,...
Move comes after FCC Chairman criticizes Hurricane Michael recovery
After publicly criticizing the network recovery efforts after Hurricane Michael devastated the Florida Panhandle, U.S. Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai has empaneled a new working group focused on establishing best practices around hardening network infrastructure...
The Secretary of Commerce has appointed six members to the First Responders Network Authority board, filling five vacancies and making one re-appointment of a board member.
FirstNet Chair Edward Horowitz, who was appointed board chair in September after serving as a member of the board...
FirstNet says it continues to see rapid growth in its subscriber base
More than 3,600 public safety agencies around the country are now subscribers of FirstNet-AT&T -- although FirstNet leaders cautioned that the partnership is still in the early days of its network buildout and...
Editor’s Note: RCR Wireless News goes all in for “Throwback Thursdays,” tapping into our archives to resuscitate the top headlines from the past. Fire up the time machine, put on the sepia-tinted shades, set the date for #TBT and enjoy the memories!
Holiday 2006 device...
Verizon focuses on interoperability in public safety push
Although the operator lost out on FirstNet to AT&T, Verizon continues to push its public safety offerings, most recently through partnerships that focus on interoperability between devices used by first responders.
In a partnership with public safety device...
FirstNet customers have access to deployable network assets
A fleet of 72 deployable cell sites are available to public safety agencies who subscribe to AT&T-FirstNet's services, according to the carrier. Those network resources are housed at 40 locations around the country and can be delivered...
FirstNet's new leaders include an acting CEO and board vice chair
The First Responders Network Authority has a new acting CEO and board vice chair, as the public safety communications agency fills spots left by a number of recent departures.
FirstNet's new acting CEO is Edward...
Connected streetlights could alert public safety officials to car accidents
AT&T has a lot going on at the moment. In addition to working to meet its goal of launching commercial, mobile 5G services in a dozen cities by the end of the year, AT&T is...
First national test of presidential alerts to mobile phones to be conducted this week
A new emergency alert category will be tested nationally for the first time this week.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Communications Commission will conduct the first national test of...
Mike Poth led the FirstNet Authority for three years
The First Responders Network Authority's CEO is leaving for the private sector after serving for three years as head of FirstNet.
FirstNet CEO Mike Poth has accepted a position in the private sector and will depart at...
With more than 2,500 public safety agencies signing on for AT&T's FirstNet and more in the pipeline, building owners should consider upgrades to their in-building wireless systems to meet public safety mandates.
FirstNet, a private-public partnership between the U.S. government and AT&T, was designed after...
Verizon pledges to remove restrictions when disaster strikes
The Santa Clara County Fire Department, which is involved in fighting the largest wildfire in the state's history, last week complained to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission about Verizon throttling its data speeds rendering a coordination outpost...
Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross now has seven FirstNet board seats to fill
The chair and vice-chair of the First Responders Network Authority board are stepping down, two years into their three-year terms. Chair Sue Swenson and Vice-Chair Jeff Johnson -- both original members from...
FirstNet board approves budget, recognizes Swenson
In its first fiscal year of being funded by payments from network contractor AT&T, the First Responders Network Authority board allocated funds nearly evenly to operations, reserves and network reinvestment. The FirstNet board approved a $241 million operating budget during...
DAS investment can solve for in-building cellular and public safety communications for first responders
Between varying municipal building codes and public safety mandates that outline the communications needs of first responders, building owners and managers have a fairly convoluted mandate. And, as public safety organizations...
Agencies across the U.S. are preparing for the nation’s first cellular broadband network dedicated to public safety. This network will provide more reliable communication for first responders, enabling better device interoperability across different agencies.
With this new technology, first responder vehicles, traffic control and transit...
In-building connectivity key for public safety
Public safety experts Ken Rehbehn, principal analyst at Critical Communications, Shawn Kelley, communications specialist for the City of Dallas Fire-Rescue Department and John Foley, general manager at Safer Building Coalition (SBC) recently discussed challenges and strategies building owners will...
https://youtu.be/sdzX1ram-xM
In Building Tech takes a deep dive into the critical role deep fiber connectivity is poised to play in increasing ROI for building owners of multi-tenant office buildings. ?Industry experts cover insights and trends that are demanding the necessity for deep fiber connectivity.
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