The four new solutions are meant to improve network range and throughput, track personnel’s location vertically as well as horizontally and connect land mobile radios with cellphones. The solutions are available only to FirstNet subscribers.
The solutions are:
- FirstNet MegaRange: High-power user equipment operating on Band 14 allowing for stronger signals, which should extend range in rural areas and allow for better coverage in hard-to-reach urban areas such as stairwells and parking garages.
- Z-Axis for FirstNet: A new capability allowing for vertical location tracking on situational awareness tools. Available in 105 markets so far.
- Compact Rapid Deployable: Devices to connect to FirstNet via satellite, useful for disaster response and remote regions.
- LMR interoperability: Connects land mobile radios to LTE, allowing for radio users to communicate with smartphone users.
The new AT&T solutions play into the FirstNet Road Map released last year, which called for more access to vertical location tracking, deployables and LMR-LTE communication.
The report also outlined a need for more direct communication between devices without relying on a central network, more support for data sharing and security and coverage for aircraft such as drones.
“These innovative mission-driven solutions are equipping first responders with better situational awareness — whether conducting a search and rescue mission in a remote area or on the upper floors of a burning building — all while helping to ensure a seamless, interoperable connection,” said Jason Porter, senior VP of AT&T’s FirstNet program, in a statement.
