FirstNet is here, but that doesn’t mean that our work is done. To ensure the network evolves with the needs of our nation’s first responders, the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) team is regularly engaging with public safety to learn how the network can best support their operations. One of our recent engagements allowed us to dive into the world of emergency management, where data is key to operational success.
Last month, our team headed to Georgia for the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) 67th Annual Conference and EMEX exposition. Throughout the six-day conference, held from November 15 to 20, our team met with emergency managers and participated in sessions that highlighted the many demands and realities facing the emergency management community — from the early stages of preparedness through resiliency and recovery. These sessions helped our team gain critical insight into the unique world of emergency management and better understand the most pressing communications and operational needs. This input will help guide the evolution of the FirstNet network, ensuring emergency managers have the tools they need to prepare for risks and deliver essential emergency services during disasters and major incidents.
The conference also provided an opportunity for our team to learn about and discuss technologies that are available to support emergency managers’ daily mission, including FirstNet. Our team operated a booth to help educate participants about FirstNet’s capabilities today and provide a glimpse of the nationwide public safety network in the future. Our experts delivered presentations and answered questions about the FirstNet Roadmap, which is focused on six key domains: Network Core; Coverage and Capacity; Situational Awareness; Voice Communications; Secure Information Exchange; and User Experience.
As we wrap up this year, I look forward to continuing to work together in 2020 to ensure emergency management’s voice is part of FirstNet’s future. To engage with a FirstNet Authority public safety advisor in your area, please visit https://www.firstnet.gov/public-safety/your-advisor
