5x5: The Public Safety Innovation Summit, brought to you by NIST PSCR and the FirstNet Authority is an event designed to revolutionize the way innovators from industry approach public safety communications and technology. With a lineup of influential speakers, keynotes, hands-on demos, and invaluable networking opportunities, 5x5 promises to be a transformative experience. Be part of the movement that is shaping the future of public safety communications technology.

Each year on Memorial Day, runners and spectators gather in Boulder, Colorado, for the BOLDERBoulder, one of the largest 10-kilometer races in the world. With more than 100,000 people in attendance, communication can be a challenge for local public safety. During the 2022 race, FirstNet helped connect responders on the race course and at the emergency operations center.

FirstNet Authority Board Member Alexandra Fernández Navarro’s extensive career in public service and telecommunications gives her a unique understanding of the interaction between utilities and telecommunication organizations during emergency response and recovery. We sat down with Ms. Fernández Navarro to discuss the unique communications challenges U.S. territories face, how FirstNet supports territories, and her career in public service.

The NCAR Fire, named for its proximity to the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Facility, broke out near Boulder, Colorado in March 2022. The fire prompted the evacuation of 19,000 people and burned 190 acres. Public safety relied on FirstNet deployables, including a Compact Rapid Deployable, to connect their devices and communicate efficiently while managing the evacuations and battling the blaze.

The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Plenary e-meetings concluded in March 2023. The meetings focused on the feature progress and schedule for Release 18 (R18) and included the initial discussions of Release 19 planning. The remaining stage 2 architectural work in R18 is advancing well and is expected to complete in June 2023, as scheduled, allowing the R18 stage 3 protocol work to proceed.