By Joel Thayer
We all remember the devastating 9/11 attacks. In the moments immediately following the attacks, not only were 911 centers overwhelmed, but first responders en route to disaster areas found their radio systems overwhelmed and inadequate to handle the incredible amounts of mobile and radio traffic. More than a decade later, after exhaustive debate, intense lobbying, and a long-awaited 9/11 Commission Report, Congress passed the Middle-Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, which created the First Responder Network Authority, or FirstNet. FirstNet was established as an independent authority within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to build a new mobile broadband network for first responders. To help build this important network, FirstNet issued a request for industry proposals and, in March 2017, awarded a 25-year contract to AT&T to do just that.
Since March, interest has been focused on the development of the new network and how to provide adequate wireless broadband coverage for America’s first responders. But an important element is missing – once the network is established, how will mission-critical grade devices use the network capacity to enhance the response time and rescues for first responders? FirstNet has aptly considered this aspect, and as part of its contract, AT&T has committed to develop a platform to host critical grade apps for the exclusive use of first responders.
ACT | The App Association applauds FirstNet and AT&T for addressing this crucial aspect of the first responder network and is committed to working with both to foster a vibrant app ecosystem and developer network to help the network reach its full potential. Apps developed for first responders will be vastly different from those that smartphone owners use daily, but the same ingenuity of the small business app developer community that has driven the $143 billion app economy must be availed to users of the critical mobile broadband public safety network.
Given our membership and previous initiatives, we fully understand the challenges and opportunities of this endeavor. With more than 5,000 small and medium sized app developer members, the App Association is a valuable resource to the development of the public safety app ecosystem.
Secondly, increasing awareness and opportunities to participate will be vital to engaging the app economy’s innovators and encouraging their investment in this initiative. FirstNet took an important first step in using the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Public Safety Communications Research Division’s $30 million grant program toward research and development into public safety innovations and apps, further incentivizing developers to participate in the build-out of the network
Third, education is key. The developer and first responder communities will need to learn about, and from, each other before the network can be implemented. To create the most effective app or platform, developers will need to fully understand the unique needs of the first responder end user community and the expectations of FirstNet. While some good work has already been by the U.S. government, more work remains to examine the scope and definition of “mission-critical grade” apps to first responders, the guidelines for an acceptable UX/UI experience, and the framework and requirements for data interoperability, among others. Conversely, to attract the most innovative talent, FirstNet and its partners will benefit from understanding what attracts a software developer to new opportunities, like estimated market size, unique characteristics of the first responder community, FirstNet’s requirements and their impact on a developer’s business model, etc. The App Association is committed to connecting the developer community with first responders and will serve as a resource to bring this network to life.
Last month, App Association President Morgan Reed outlined the challenges and opportunities of the planned nationwide first responder mobile broadband network at a panel seminar hosted by the Federal Communications Bar Association. We are committed and eager to help create a vibrant and competitive app ecosystem within the future public safety broadband network. App innovators will be a driving force in promoting a sustainable network for first responders and overcoming the numerous issues presented by outdated, overwhelmed public safety communications networks and devices. The work to realize the potential of this critical new system has only just begun.