Technology

The second quarterly Third Generational Partnership Project (3GPP) Plenary e-meetings of 2021 focused on the completion of Release 17 (R17) stage 2 (architecture) work and preparation for prioritization of features for R18. The group declared the stage 2 work frozen, while allowing some work items to continue into the third quarter of 2021. At this time, the R17 stage 3 (protocol) freeze date remains on schedule for March 2022.

Personnel with the Los Angeles Fire Department and County Department of Public Health in California are using FirstNet-enabled devices to better serve residents and visitors to the Los Angeles region. In addition to routers, modems, and smartphones, the agencies are utilizing an Internet of Things system solution on the network to help detect radiation and HAZMAT incidents.

Last year, firefighters on the west coast battled a relentless string of fires prompting mass evacuations, destroying thousands of homes and threatening dozens of communities. As the fires and the pandemic continue to pose a double threat, FirstNet worked as it was intended by giving first responders prioritized and preemptive service to make sure that emergency communications always comes first. FirstNet prioritizes first responder communication ahead of non-emergency communications – and that has made all the difference in keeping firefighters safe as they protect communities and save lives.

At the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority), our goal is to support public safety in operationalizing their network, FirstNet, and ensure it continues to evolve to meet public safety’s communications needs. As part of our engagement efforts, we spoke to several wildland firefighters and agencies about lessons learned of using public safety broadband for combatting wildfires. Here are their takeaways and key things to keep in mind when it comes to using FirstNet to support the frontlines.

Dorchester County’s first responders got another major boost in their wireless communications thanks to the FirstNet network expansion currently underway by AT&T.   

Teton County is a rural county in northwest Wyoming. Situated in the Teton Range, the county experiences weather hazards including fires, floods, and wintery conditions, as well as earthquakes, landslides, and avalanches. Teton County first responders rely on FirstNet’s hardened network to stay connected in the most remote parts of the county and during tourist season when cell networks grow congested.

Mitchell County’s first responders got a major boost in their wireless communications thanks to the FirstNet network expansion currently underway by AT&T.    

Chester’s first responders got a major boost in their wireless communications thanks to the FirstNet network expansion currently underway by AT&T.

First responders serving the Yankton Sioux Tribal communities got a major boost in their wireless communications thanks to the FirstNet network expansion currently underway by AT&T.

Northern Minnesota’s first responders got a major boost in their wireless communications thanks to the FirstNet network expansion currently underway by AT&T.

Tiverton’s first responders got a major boost in their wireless communications thanks to the FirstNet network expansion currently underway by AT&T.

The FirstNet Authority is joining PSCR 2021, the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Public Safety Communications Research (PSCR) Division’s virtual annual Stakeholder Meeting. Through plenaries, on-demand sessions, and live question and answer sessions, the FirstNet Authority team will discuss standards work, innovation in public safety communications technology, and how the pandemic changed operations for first responders.

New York’s first responders got a major boost in their wireless communications thanks to the FirstNet network expansion currently underway by AT&T.

Iron County’s first responders got a major boost in their wireless communications thanks to the FirstNet network expansion currently underway by AT&T.

The Central Massachusetts EMS Corp. (CMEMSC) provides support to state and local jurisdictions, EMS system providers, and hospitals through dispatch services, education, and technical assistance. With FirstNet, CMEMSC is enhancing their ability to communicate and track assets, such as sprayers used to disinfect ambulances and hospital facilities to protect against the spread of COVID-19.

Females are statistically underrepresented in public safety and in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) career fields. At the intersection of STEM and public safety, there are women developing innovative solutions to make first responders’ jobs easier and more efficient. Working on this technology takes tenacity – but those who rise to the challenge are making an incredible difference.

First responders serving the Spirit Lake Tribal communities as well as Benson and Ramsey Counties got a major boost in their wireless communications thanks to the FirstNet network expansion currently underway by AT&T.

Penobscot County first responders got a major boost in their wireless communications thanks to the FirstNet network expansion currently underway by AT&T.

Harris County, Texas, has several large COVID-19 testing and vaccination centers to serve the Greater Harris County area. FirstNet-enabled “Go-Kits” are ensuring healthcare providers remain connected and able to quickly deliver tests and vaccines.

With the help of FirstNet-enabled “Go-Kits,” responders in Harris County, Texas, were able to expand mobile testing and vaccination throughout the county. Broadband modems ensured healthcare providers had access to a reliable, uninterrupted internet connection.