This June in Chicago, Illinois, two agencies within the U.S. Department of Commerce are coming together to advance communications technology for public safety. FirstNet Authority and the National Institute of Standards and Technology Public Safety communication Research Division (NIST PSCR) will host the second annual 5x5: The Public Safety Innovation Summit, where leaders in public safety, government, industry, and academia will collaborate to build the future of public safety technology.

Grundy County, Illinois, is a rural community 45 minutes south of Chicago. Deputy Chief Kevin Bogard of the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office shared the unique challenges the county faces - including the annual Corn Festival, which brings in thousands of tourists – and how making the switch to FirstNet helped simplify and consolidate their communication technology.

The FirstNet Authority is investing $6.3 billion to enhance 5G capabilities on FirstNet. This is a major strategic investment in the future of public safety communications. 5G on FirstNet will generate faster speeds, enhance the quality of service for first responders, and drive innovations in mission critical services.

Steve Devine, APCO Chief Technology Officer, talks about the biggest trends in 9-1-1 technology, including the transition from analog to digital systems with Next Generation 9-1-1. Steve also discussed the role of public safety broadband in the emergency communications center and the issues APCO is prioritizing to support telecommunicators.

First responders protect and serve their communities every day. Each spring, we celebrate their efforts, acknowledge their sacrifices, and support their unwavering commitment to serving others.