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Group of New Mexico police officers riding on horseback monitoring the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

FirstNet has supported New Mexico first responders through many events. From connecting public safety at the Albuquerque International Balloon Festival to covering tribal nations during the pandemic, agencies are experiencing the benefits of their network.

Two FirstNet smartphones measuring FirstNet connectivity speeds

Experts at the Boulder FirstNet Lab in Colorado test functions and features of FirstNet to ensure first responders experience the network as designed and expected. For example, using load test tools, researchers can emulate 6,000 devices and demonstrate how priority and preemption work for first responders.

A SatCOLT providing broadband support in an area destroyed by Hurricane Matthew; FirstNet One blimp preparing for take-off after Hurricane Laura.

When hurricanes strike, the main and immediate focus for first responders is rescuing and responding to those in need of aid. Last season, public safety officials relied on FirstNet to sustain and restore emergency communications for many hard-hit communities. FirstNet is critical to our nation’s first responders who battle storms day in and day out – and to those who have placed their confidence into the network’s communications capabilities to keep our communities safe

Photo of a meeting room with people sitting and working on computers, overlaid with circles connected with lines, suggesting networking. Circles contain wireless network terminology: “5G; CORE; MCPTT; NTN; V2X; RAN; MCdata”

The third quarterly Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Plenary e-meetings of 2021 concluded in September. Participants spent considerable time on preliminary scoping of the Release 18 (R18) feature content and schedule. Delegates also made good progress on the stage 3 (protocol) work for Release 17. The R18 schedule discussion ended with an initial agreement on an 18 month timeline that will result in a December 2023 completion target date. 

Emergency medical official using a tablet in the back of an ambulance
During the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth services helped patients and medical providers connect in real-time in a safe setting. In light of this, the FirstNet Authority Public Safety Advisory Committee Telehealth Strike Team re-examined the widespread adoption of telehealth services and identified emerging telehealth case studies that may save lives, streamline medical services, and ensure quality patient care.