What Is Verizon Frontline & AT&T FirstNet?
In simple terms, Verizon Frontline and AT&T FirstNet are private, secure cellular networks designed to be used solely by first responders. These networks ensure that emergency services personnel won’t be delayed by congested networks, outages, lack of coverage, or any other challenges that would impact consumer-grade networks.
Integrating 5g
A study conducted by the FCC found that over 10,000 lives could be saved if first responders were able to reach their destination just one minute faster. Many experts believe that the path to reaching that goal involves upgrading these private networks to 5G. Currently, the biggest challenge is infrastructure and integrating new 5G technologies into the existing LTE-driven network backbone. 5G brings with it several advantages compared to existing networks, but the following are the biggest game changers for first responders:
Advantages
Low Latency
5G offers near-zero millisecond latency, compared to LTE which averages 49ms of latency. For first responders and police specifically, this can impact the speed of surveillance cameras that can help identify suspects or capture critical crime scene evidence.
High Bandwidth
The ability to withstand large amounts of network traffic and still perform as expected is one of the top advantages gained by upgrading to 5G. When natural disasters or emergencies strike tower sites can be damaged, leaving traffic to be handled by just a handful of sites. Thanks to 5G, a smaller amount of towers can handle first responder needs without slowing down.
IoT Scaling
Deploying thousands of IoT endpoints is now possible because of 5G. These endpoints can be used for numerous applications, including the creation of smart cities, which can help public safety officials monitor for critical information like an active shooter description or vital information about drivers involved in vehicle accidents. This data can then be relayed to first responders in record time, resulting in faster response times and properly equipped crews arriving on the scene.
Precise Location data
Precise tracking information not only helps first responders save lives, but it keeps responders themselves safe too. By combining 5G networks with the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), 911 operators can trace calls in seconds with pinpoint accuracy.
Certified solution for first responders
The Cradlepoint R1900 is certified for use with both Verizon Frontline and AT&T FirstNet, giving first responders options when deciding which in-vehicle network is best for them. Ruggedized and easy to install, the R1900 can easily integrate into police cruisers, ambulances, fire trucks, and more while leaving plenty of room for mission-critical tools and gear. RTech works with both carriers to offer dependable solutions as-a-service, an OpEx pricing model that can be beneficial for government agencies with limited budgets.
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