After an underground fire cut power and disabled radio communications in downtown Baltimore, Maryland, the Baltimore City Sheriff’s Office relied on FirstNet devices to maintain contact and coordinate emergency response. The experience marked the first deployment of FirstNet and initiated the agency’s transition to using broadband for daily operations. FirstNet has since helped the Baltimore City Sheriff’s Office improve field reporting, stay connected during long prisoner transports, and enhance officer safety.
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The 2024 conventions from both U.S. political parties were supported by the FirstNet Authority’s pre-planning efforts. Party conventions are major national events, yet the same planning framework applies to smaller local events. The Network Experience Engagement Program is designed to meet the needs of public safety, whether planning for a major party convention, a pumpkin festival, or the homecoming parade.
The Third Generation Partnership Project, or 3GPP, held Plenary meetings in September 2024. The meetings highlighted progress reported in the 3GPP Radio Access Network, Service and System Aspects, and Core Terminal groups focusing on the Release 19 work. The group also officially approved a study on 6G.
The total solar eclipse in April brought massive crowds to 15 U.S. states in the path of totality. The FirstNet Authority began working with public safety officials two years in advance to incorporate broadband into their eclipse planning and support each state in unique ways to prepare for the influx of people
At the FirstNet Authority, we support all FirstNet users, including federal agencies, helping them better communicate and operate. Our Government Engagement team works closely with federal users to educate them about the capabilities FirstNet offers and to ensure their unique communication needs are met by the network.