Skip to main content

An official website of the United States government

Contact Us | X | Learn more about FirstNet Authority | VisitFirstNet.com

Blog

An emergency medical practitioner sits in an ambulance, speaking into a radio handset connected to a cell phone.

Three Ways FirstNet Enhances Patient Care for EMS

As EMS providers expand their use of technology, FirstNet gives them a wireless broadband platform to connect in the field. FirstNet Authority Senior EMS Advisor Brent Williams highlights three EMS agencies using FirstNet to communicate in rural areas, send vital patient information to hospitals, and access the resources to enhance patient care.

Photo of a 3GPP meeting room with people sitting at tables and working on computers, overlaid with gear icons and wireless network terminology: RAN, 5G, V2X, Core, MCdata.

Tech Talk: March 16-20, 2020 3GPP “E-Plenary” Meetings Recap

This blog post is part of the "Tech Talk" series focused on the FirstNet Authority’s standards development activities to support public safety. This post recaps discussions linked to public safety and other related topics from the 3GPP Plenary meetings that were conducted online March 16-20, 2020. The FirstNet Authority represented public safety interests at the Plenary meetings.

Roadmap domain icon for voice communications, responder uses a FirstNet device, graphic representation of a network radiating outward

The First Responder Network Authority Technology Domain: Voice Communications

Voice communications are the fundamental form of public safety communications. At the heart of the FirstNet effort is the need for a reliable communications platform that will provide voice, data, and video services for public safety’s lifesaving mission. With the launch of FirstNet, countless first responders gained access to the most advanced broadband emergency communications solution available today, and the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) strives to learn from public safety where the network needs to go next.

A female police officer sits in a patrol car looking at a cell phone.

How Three Law Enforcement Agencies use FirstNet to connect to Mobile Broadband

Connecting to tools and resources is vital for law enforcement agencies. With FirstNet, officers and deputies in rural and remote areas have increased access to the databases and systems they need. Harry Markley, FirstNet Authority Senior Law Enforcement Advisor, highlights how three agencies are using FirstNet to maximize operations and improve incident outcomes.

Situational awareness Roadmap domain icon over a law enforcement officer holding a FirstNet phone, surrounded by a network representation radiating out.

FirstNet Authority Roadmap Technology Domains: Situational Awareness

Situational awareness for first responders can come from cameras, sensors, wearables, or countless other pieces of technology. In this blog, FirstNet Authority Senior Public Safety Products Advisor Randy Kerr and FirstNet Authority Senior Director of Product Technology and Architecture Carlos L’Abbate discuss public safety’s situational awareness needs and how the FirstNet Authority is ensuring those needs are met.