APPLICATION INFRASTRUCTURE

FirstNet Brings a One-of-a-Kind 5G Experience to More First Responders Across the Country

FirstNet | August 16, 2021

FirstNet – the only nationwide network built with and for America's first responders – is keeping public safety connected unlike any other network. Here's 3 strategic ways:

Expanding the FirstNet 5G footprint: As public safety's communications partner, AT&T* has expanded 5G connectivity for first responders on FirstNet to further support public safety's mission needs. Now, first responders in an additional 10 cities across the United States – Austin (Texas), Charlotte (N. Carolina), Cleveland (Ohio), Dallas (Texas), El Paso (Texas), Houston (Texas), Knoxville (Tenn.), Phoenix (Ariz.), Raleigh (N. Carolina) and San Antonio (Texas) –have access to 5G.
Deploying MegaRange™ for Disaster Response: Since launching FirstNet MegaRange earlier this year – which significantly improves connectivity, especially at the edge of network coverage – public safety has started experiencing its exclusive benefits as they respond to everyday emergencies and disasters. From remote patient care to the frontlines of wildfire response, MegaRange is keeping first responders connected at the edge of coverage when lives are on the line.
Launching nationwide interoperability with AT&T ESInet: To increase the flexibility and resiliency of AT&T NextGen 9-1-1 services, AT&T ESInet is now integrated with the FirstNet network. By serving as an automatic wireless backup to connect to public safety answering points (PSAP), FirstNet enables the delivery of IP-based 9-1-1 call traffic through the AT&T Virtual Private Network (VPN).
How is 5G connectivity on FirstNet different from commercial networks? Our approach to 5G for public safety is unlike anything else. While 5G connectivity will ultimately bring a combination of benefits like ultra-low latency and ultra-high speeds to support all kinds of users, it's essential we approach 5G in a different way for first responders. That's why, with FirstNet, we're taking the right steps for public safety in a way that meets their unique mission needs. First responders maintain voice communications with priority and preemption on LTE, while the FirstNet network determines the best route for data traffic, whether that's 5G or LTE spectrum.

In addition to the 10 cities that now have access to AT&T's 5G spectrum, first responders in parts of 38 cities and more than 20 venues already have access to AT&T mmWave (5G+) spectrum. And since we're deploying 5G the right way for public safety, they maintain always-on priority and preemption across LTE – Band 14 spectrum plus all of AT&T's commercial LTE spectrum bands – which currently covers 2.71 million square miles of the country. By the end of 2021, we expect to offer 5G+ connectivity in parts of more than 40 cities and 40 venues. And we're continuing to roll out additional 5G connectivity for FirstNet in more communities nationwide.

How can first responders get 5G connectivity on FirstNet? As a FirstNet subscriber there is no additional charge for 5G connectivity. All first responders need to access 5G is a FirstNet Ready® 5G device, like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G or the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, which are now available for pre-order. And to ensure public safety everywhere can access the power of FirstNet, individual verified first responders not already on FirstNet can sign up online or at the more than 5,000 AT&T retail stores across the country.

How does MegaRange support first responders' emergency response? Adhering to FCC standards, this high-power user equipment (HPUE) is only available on the FirstNet network thanks to Band 14 spectrum: nationwide, high-quality spectrum set aside by the federal government specifically for FirstNet. It provides public safety with significant coverage benefits in both urban and rural areas. The greatest coverage improvement is in areas where data connectivity is traditionally unreliable, such as remote regions, rural areas and maritime environments.

Agencies like Bangs Ambulance in Ithaca, New York have been utilizing FirstNet MegaRange to deliver critical patient care and transmit vital data from the field directly to local hospitals – a daily feat that was once near-impossible due to challenging terrain. And now, firefighters are experiencing MegaRange's unique benefits as they combat this year's record-breaking wildfire season. For example, Sisters-Camp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District in Oregon used MegaRange during their response to the Grandview Fire, which has burned just over 6,000 acres and threated hundreds of homes. The fire was in a notoriously difficult communications area (for both cellular and radio transmissions), and MegaRange enabled key personnel to provide live situational awareness to commanders via call, text and other FirstNet certified applications.

And as the 2021 wildfire season continues to escalate, we've joined forces with Airgain to provide public safety with significant cost savings and make this exclusive capability more accessible to agencies across the country.

How does AT&T ESInet increase reliability with FirstNet? AT&T is the only carrier that can provide end-to-end emergency communication solutions, and as the private-partner behind FirstNet, we are also uniquely positioned to equip PSAPs and first responders with an integrated infrastructure that allows them to be more flexible, resilient and agile. Interoperability with FirstNet enables AT&T ESInet to extend network connectivity to remote PSAPs that are either hard to reach or experiencing an outage. In the event AT&T ESInet detects a failure of the primary connection to the PSAP, the service automatically routes calls over the FirstNet network to maintain continuity of operation and delivery of 9-1-1 calls. This interoperability also creates a foundation for future Next Generation 9-1-1 applications that can be used for sharing caller and incident information, such as location, images, video and text, with first responders over a private, highly secure, end-to-end path.

What is FirstNet? FirstNet is the only nationwide, high-speed broadband communications platform dedicated to and purpose-built for America's first responders and the extended public safety community. Shaped by the vision of Congress and the first responder community following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, FirstNet stands above commercial offerings. It is built with AT&T in public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) – an independent agency within the federal government. While commercial wireless offerings remain available to public safety, FirstNet continues to grow because it offers distinct advantages for public safety. With more than 17,000 public safety agencies and organizations – accounting for more than 2.5 million connections nationwide1 – the FirstNet network is providing first responders with truly dedicated, coverage and capacity when they need it, unique benefits like always-on priority and preemption, and high-quality Band 14 spectrum. These advanced capabilities help fire, EMS, law enforcement and more save lives and protect their communities.

Spotlight

As organizations face economic uncertainty and growing customer expectations, the stakes for digital transformation have never been higher. Leaders today are investing in IT to drive efficiency, results, and lower organizational costs. In collaboration with Vanson Bourne, MuleSoft surveyed 1,050 global IT leaders on the state o

Spotlight

As organizations face economic uncertainty and growing customer expectations, the stakes for digital transformation have never been higher. Leaders today are investing in IT to drive efficiency, results, and lower organizational costs. In collaboration with Vanson Bourne, MuleSoft surveyed 1,050 global IT leaders on the state o

Related News

HYPER-CONVERGED INFRASTRUCTURE, APPLICATION INFRASTRUCTURE

Alkira Achieves AWS Networking Competency Status for Network Connectivity Category

Alkira | February 17, 2023

Cloud networking pioneer Alkira has achieved Amazon Web Services (AWS) Networking Competency status in the Network Connectivity category. The designation acknowledges that Alkira has demonstrated AWS technical expertise and customer successes as a Software as a Service (SaaS) network provider. Alkira CEO and Co-founder, Amir Khan, said, "Alkira, recognized by AWS as a true network SaaS offering, is built for the cloud and consumed as a service with no hardware or software to install—ever." He added, "All you have to do is draw and deploy your network from our digital design canvas, and you’re up and running in no time." (Source: Businesswire) Alkira's fully automated global unified network infrastructure allows organizations to connect to AWS and Amazon Virtual Private Clouds via an intuitive point-and-click interface within minutes. Alkira's pay-as-you-go SaaS offering delivers agility, scale, and cost-effectiveness to organizations that want to connect, unify, and scale their network to AWS infrastructure. Alkira is available on the AWS Marketplace. About Alkira Alkira is regarded as a pioneer in cloud networking as a service. Their enterprise network is entirely cloud-based, connecting multiple clouds, sites, and users. The network is managed using familiar network administrator controls, policies, and security, and it can scale instantly as needed. This network is provided as a service, so there is no need to install new hardware, download software, or learn a new cloud architecture. Alkira's solution is trusted by Fortune 100 companies, leading system integrators, and global managed service providers.

Read More

STORAGE MANAGEMENT,WINDOWS SERVER OS,WINDOWS SERVER MANAGEMENT

GRC’s new survey seeks end-user feedback on data center sustainability

GRC | December 28, 2022

Green Revolution Cooling (GRC), the leader in immersion cooling for data centres, announced today the launch of its first annual Data Center Sustainability Survey, which will gather feedback from industry professionals on what is working and where there is need for improvement. Participants in the survey will be asked eight short questions about their approach to sustainability and how their organization is working to reduce its carbon footprint. GRC is also interested in gathering stories about sustainability efforts in these mission-critical facilities; the successes, setbacks, and anything else related to data center sustainability. Some of these stories will be featured in GRC's webinar on February 15th at 11:00 a.m. ET. Participants whose stories are selected will receive a $100 Amazon gift card or a donation made to the Rainforest Alliance in their name. The Rainforest Alliance is an international non-profit organisation working to make responsible business the new normal at the intersection of business, agriculture, and forests. Results from the survey will not only help us better serve the industry, they’ll provide a much-needed benchmark for understanding sustainability in the data center ecosystem, providing insight to all of us in the industry on how to be the best stewards possible for our planet.” Gregg Primm, VP of Marketing at GRC. About GRC Green Revolution Cooling is The Immersion Cooling Authority®. The company's patented immersion-cooling technology dramatically simplifies data centre cooling infrastructure deployment. Enterprises reduce their data center design, build, energy, and maintenance costs by eliminating the need for chillers, CRACs, air handlers, humidity controls, and other traditional cooling components. GRC's solutions are used in twenty-one countries and are perfect for next-gen application platforms such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, high-performance computing (HPC), 5G, and other edge computing and core applications. Their systems are environmentally resilient, sustainable, and space efficient, allowing them to be deployed in virtually any location with little lead time.

Read More

HYPER-CONVERGED INFRASTRUCTURE, APPLICATION STORAGE

Oxford Quantum Circuits Installs Quantum Computer in Equinix IBX Data Center

Oxford Quantum Circuits | March 15, 2023

On March 14, 2023, Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC), an industry-leading global quantum computing as a service (QCaaS) provider company, and the world's digital infrastructure provider, Equinix, announced that OQC aims make one of the world's most powerful commercially available quantum computers to via Equinix's TY11 Tokyo International Business Exchange data center. The technology is intended to benefit a wide range of industries, including drug discovery and development, banking, risk management, and advanced manufacturing. Once connected to Equinix Fabric, organizations will have access to quantum computing as if it were on-premises, allowing them to trial and experiment with the innovative technology by connecting directly to QCaaS within their own digital infrastructure with improved security and ease. Dr. Ilana Wisby, CEO at OQC ltd., stated, "The world has been waiting for quantum computing to mature to the point that it can change our lives. Installing quantum computing in Equinix's world-class TY11 data center brings us a step closer to this reality. Quantum computing represents a major shift in terms of technology and process. Unlike traditional classical computers, quantum computers can crunch vast amounts of data at incredible speeds. We are excited to work with Equinix to help businesses around the world to build their quantum skillset and capabilities. The future is here, and we are setting the pace for the era of quantum computing." (Source – Cision PR Newswire) Arun Dev, Global Head of Digital Interconnection at Equinix, remarked, "Quantum computing has the potential to transform the way businesses solve problems both now and into the future, especially as our customers look for more innovative solutions. As the world's digital infrastructure company, we are proud to enable easier, secure, high-bandwidth access to this pioneering technology to thousands of businesses around the world. Welcoming OQC's quantum computer to our global interconnection ecosystem on Platform Equinix underpins our commitment to supporting innovation. We are looking forward to working together to solve some of the key digital challenges organizations face today." (Source – Cision PR Newswire) About Oxford Quantum Circuits Founded in 2017, Oxford Quantum Circuits is an industry-leading quantum computing company. It makes quantum accessible to their clients, allowing them to conduct ground-breaking research. The company produced the only commercially available quantum computers in the United Kingdom. It introduced the first quantum computing as a service (QCaaS) in the United Kingdom, making quantum technology accessible to businesses.

Read More