Earlier today, AT&T unveiled a number of its new technologies for its FirstNet customers. FirstNet is AT&T’s wireless communications platform dedicated to first responders and the public safety community.
Today’s announcement introduces AT&T’s exclusive band 14 (758 - 798 MHz), which offers priority access to FirstNet customers.
The technology makes use of Z-Axis location that gives FirstNet users access to authorized apps making use of three dimensions, not just on a map. One example for this technology is that a fire chief is able to see exactly where his firefighters are while they are combating fire inside a high-rise building.
The new feature makes use of the NextNav Pinnacle vertical positioning system that AT&T previously deployed across 105 markets in the country. The wireless carrier promises to continue adding more of this service weekly.
One of the apps that are among the first to support Z-Axis is Intrepid Networks’ Response for FirstNet. This app makes use of LMR Interoperability for FirstNet Push-To-Talk, which bridges FirstNet PTT with traditional radio systems that use LMR technology. As a result, first responders are able to stay connected to the central radio system of their agency even when they are outside the network coverage area of LMR. As of this writing, there are 11 FirstNet-Ready devices that support the feature through FirstNet PTT.
Lastly, AT&T also unveiled a new Compact Rapid Deployable (CRD) offer for sale directly to agencies. Through this Cell on Wheels (COW) feature, a single person can be deployed in a few minutes to create a band 14 LTE network wherever there is an emergency, even in remote areas and areas where mobile networks have been brought down.
To learn more about the announcement, you can visit this page.
