FirstNet’s Compact Rapid Deployable (CRD) is a miniature cell tower that first responders can depend on to provide reliable coverage during emergencies. To best support the needs of public safety agencies, the CRD is designed to be easily transported and set up within minutes.

Public safety requested FirstNet emergency support 100+ times for Hurricane Ian. Assets from the dedicated FirstNet fleet supported first responders in affected areas, including Charlotte, Collier, Hardee, Hendry, Lee, Manatee, Orange and Sarasota counties in Florida, as well as Charleston and Georgetown counties in South Carolina. Making use of new innovations, FirstNet used amphibious vehicles and helicopters to deploy Compact Rapid Deployables to Sanibel Island and Pine Island.

The only nationwide public safety broadband network, FirstNet, which was created in 2012 is celebrating a decade of public safety accomplishments. Tom Shull, FirstNet’s Director of Legislative Affairs, details some of FirstNet’s major accomplishments throughout the years and provides insight on the future of the organization and it’s continued plans to advance public safety. 

Cinco De Mayo celebrations in San Jose, California, bring in large crowds every year and first responders depend on FirstNet to avoid communication challenges during the festivities. A FirstNet SatCOLT was used to ensure responders had the coverage they needed to coordinate response, and interoperability was key to keeping attendees safe.