August 2013
Urgent Communications explores the many challenges facing the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) as it mulls how to design build--and pay for--the first nationwide broadband communications network for first responders.
In addition, we explain why the FCC is considering the adoption of receiver standards; explore the reasons behind one public-safety agency's decision to outsource network management; examine the necessity of text-to-911 standards; and describe the challenges that many IT departments face as they work to optimize mobile network performance.
Cover Story
- Aug 15, 2013ArticleUrgent Communications
FirstNet seeks the right mix 3
The authority has some really smart people working for it, and some tasty ingredients to work with--namely $7 billion and prime 700 MHz spectrum--but creativity will be needed to discover the recipe for success....More
Features
- Aug 15, 2013ArticleUrgent Communications
The challenge of understanding mobile networks 2
Gaining visibility into their performance is a vital, and equally vexing, goal....More - Jun 17, 2013Commentary
Standards will be critical for text-to-911 services
As public safety agencies face the imminent implementation of text-to-911 capabilities, the role of industry standards becomes essential....More - Aug 15, 2013ArticleUrgent Communications
Why outsourcing network management makes sense 1
One large regional agency finds that doing so is the cost-effective way to optimize performance....More - Aug 15, 2013Article
The FCC looks at receiver standards 3
Such standards could be the way to overcome poor receiver design and the problems that stem from it, but they must balance performnce and cost....More
Columns
- Aug 8, 2013Commentary
Goodbye print, hello future 4
One of our guiding philosophies it that we have a duty to provide our readers with content in the manner in which they wish to receive it—and increasingly, that means digital content. For that reason, we have decided that the August issue will be the last print edition that we produce....More - Aug 15, 2013Commentary
Public safety needs new technology tools
The good news is that the first elements of a comprehensive integrated network solution designed to meet the future needs of first responders already are beginning to emerge....More
Dispatches
- Jul 23, 2013ArticleUrgent Communications
Hytera-Cobb TETRA collaboration might be the start of something big 1
Cobb EMC—an electrical cooperative that serves metropolitan Atlanta and southeast Georgia—recently announced what is believed to be the first TETRA deployment in the United States. The four-site system will be installed by Radio One and will leverage infrastructure and subscriber gear manufactured by Hytera....More - Jul 11, 2013ArticleUrgent Communications
FirstNet seeks comments on 10 RFIs by Aug. 30
FirstNet issues 10 requests for information (RFIs) to solicit input from vendors and potential partners regarding the deployment and operation of the radio-access network (RAN) and the core network in the nationwide broadband system for first responders....More