When you think of FirstNet deployables, you might think of traditional SatCOLTs, but the fleet is more than just big trucks with tall antennas. Some of the newest options in the FirstNet fleet offer flexible, versatile coverage options that can help your law enforcement agency with a wide variety of response scenarios.
Largest event in Arizona during the Super Bowl
In February, Arizona hosted the Super Bowl. Yet the game wasn’t Phoenix’s largest event that weekend. That title was claimed by the WM Phoenix Open, a professional golf tournament held at the same time. Though the tournament didn’t release attendance numbers, unofficial counts from public safety officials put Saturday’s attendance at 400,000 people.
Because of these dual events with huge crowds, FirstNet deployables were stationed throughout the city and surrounding areas to be ready for any issues that arose.
FirstNet connects event radio console
At the WM Phoenix Open, the event’s radio console had issues with the hardline broadband connection that was used. Public safety officials contacted FirstNet representatives to ask if anything could be done to assist. FirstNet responded to the mobile command post and connected the radio console to FirstNet’s Mobile Broadband Kit.
The Mobile Broadband Kit is one of the smaller, more versatile options in the FirstNet deployable fleet. It’s a Cradlepoint router in a carrying case with antennas wired in. With the push of one button, you can connect to Band 14, the high-quality spectrum set aside for first responders to use on FirstNet.
Once the event’s radio console was powered by the FirstNet Mobile Broadband Kit, it stayed connected with no issues for the rest of the tournament.
Versatile on-demand coverage
With over 180 assets, the FirstNet deployables fleet has many different options to boost coverage in planned events or disasters. These mobile cell sites link to FirstNet via satellite, do not rely on commercial power, and provide similar capabilities as a cell tower.
One of the most versatile deployables is the Compact Rapid Deployable, or CRD. CRDs are small enough to fit through most doorways and can be transported on a pickup truck, helicopter, or boat. The FirstNet Authority has seen CRDs provide at least one mile of FirstNet LTE coverage. The FirstNet fleet has about 50 CRDs that can be sent to support public safety operations.
Individual agencies can also purchase their own CRDs. The Oxford Police Department was the first agency in Alabama to purchase a CRD. The agency had experienced the benefit of FirstNet deployables from requesting them for local events like parades and festivals. They made the investment in a CRD of their own because the area is subject to tornadoes, and they wanted to ensure consistent communications, even during storms.
Luggage-sized deployable
The newest asset in the FirstNet fleet — the miniCRD — is even smaller and more versatile. MiniCRDs come in two 85-pound cases that are the size of checked luggage. They provide up to a half mile of coverage, with enhanced throughput and processing speeds.
When an ice shelf near Barrow on the northern coast of Alaska broke off into the ocean, it severed an undersea fiber cable. All cellular connections were lost across the 500 miles from Barrow to Nome on the southern coast.
The FirstNet AT&T response team deployed to Barrow to restore coverage for first responders. A miniCRD has no mast, so they put it on the roof of the local law enforcement headquarters to get more height and reach a wider area. This provided coverage to much of Barrow.
MiniCRDs are also available for individual agencies to purchase and own, providing even more versatility to this coverage option.
Indoor options
When indoor FirstNet coverage needs to be boosted, several options exist.
The Cell Booster Pro is a device that acts as a mini cell site to bring FirstNet coverage indoors. Cell Booster Pros are available — at no cost — for subscribing agencies to install inside the buildings where they work if there’s insufficient coverage.
Another option in the deployable fleet is the Cell-Fi Go Red, which brings outside cellular coverage indoors. This option requires that the nearest cell site is online. The Cell-Fi Go Red is most useful in situations where connectivity inside law enforcement headquarters is lost due to a fiber cut or maintenance.
How to request a deployable
FirstNet deployables are available 24/7 at no cost to primary subscribing agencies. The best way to request a deployable is to log into FirstNet Central and click the “Request Deployable” tile.
When making the request, provide as many details as possible about your communication needs, the location, the incident conditions, and the terrain, as well as any considerations about accessing the site. This allows the FirstNet team to determine the best option for your situation.
You can learn more about the FirstNet deployables program and what to expect when requesting one in the FirstNet Authority Emergency Management Guide.
To learn more about how FirstNet is helping public safety and the law enforcement community to leverage innovative public safety communications, sign up for the Law Enforcement Take with Harry Markley.
