Priority. That’s what FirstNet is offering for emergency services.
One of the challenges observed after 9/11 concerned emergency response communications ... particularly in the presence of a disaster. Congested zones, damage to the infrastructure, inconsistent platforms; these challenges are not only present during a disaster, but also on a daily basis for some communities.
Rush-hour traffic at 4 p.m., providing medical staffing at a professional sporting event, or shuffling through the aftermath of a hurricane or major storm – these are just a few of the seemingly “regular” instances during which many emergency services experience a breakdown in the communications network.
Wouldn’t it be ideal if we had priority during these situations? What if your phone or device could be put at the top of the list? What if joining a wireless network could provide the interoperability that your radio system otherwise couldn’t?
FirstNet provides this. It provides priority and it provides interoperability.
So, how do we know if your agency is ready; if your agency has priority? Let’s examine three “rights” in this process to see not only what your abilities are, but what your needs are as well.
1. Right plan
What are you hoping to accomplish ... to connect? Do you want your smartphones to have priority access for data and calling/texting use? How about giving your tablets and mobile data terminals (MDTs) priority access to communicate with dispatch centers and access other communication platforms? If you’re looking for security, for interoperability and for priority, then finding a network to meet your plan has become significantly easier, all because of FirstNet.
2. Right network
FirstNet is in partnership with AT&T network customers and provides a robust, secure and advanced broadband network for many of your wireless devices. Joining the right network is the first step. From there, determining your individual agency or regional needs takes its shape. Cloud-based storage, virtual private network (VPN) access and secure communications are all options under this advanced communications network.
3. Right tools
Having the right tools is a necessity to complete any job. Whether you’re looking to enable smartphones, tablets, laptops, routers, modems or apps, working with a FirstNet retailer is a key component in this process.
Going back to your plan, what do you want to connect? If you want push-to-talk capabilities between your smartphones, then you need the right tools. If you’re looking for resource tracking, increased storage options or secure communications, they also need the right tools.
Does your wireless provider already offer these components with its devices? If not (but you would like them to), you may want to take a look at how AT&T and FirstNet can.
So, what does FirstNet ready mean to you?
Does your agency have a plan in place to offer prioritized, secure and reliable communications to its members? Can you communicate with your neighbors with the same rate of success and reliance? Will your system stand up to disaster scenarios and user congestion?
If not, your system may not be ready for the challenges it may (or already does) face. Joining the FirstNet network can make you interoperable; can make you ready; can give you priority.
