The Texas A&M Internet2 Technology Evaluation Center (ITEC) in College Station, Texas plays an important role in developing public safety broadband technologies. Through its annual Winter Institute Workshop and Exercise, ITEC has brought together industry and public safety leaders to test and developing apps and services that benefit first responders.

Cell phone communications are traditionally a challenge at the annual American Birkebeiner Ski Race, which is hosted in rural northwest Wisconsin. At past “Birkie” events, first responders have struggled to remain connected along the trails, but with a FirstNet SatCOLT (satellite cell on light truck) providing a mobile cellular connection, coverage was not a concern at the 2020 Birkie.

In this episode, Ellen Ryan, Deputy Division Chief for the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Public Safety Communications Research Division, discusses the division’s Open Innovation program, including current and future grant and prize challenge opportunities.