By McKenzie Schnell
America’s first responders have the important role and responsibility of keeping Americans safe during emergencies and times of need. Last March, the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) awarded a 25-year contract to AT&T to build a nationwide, broadband-enabled public safety network that would help support and deliver new efficiencies to the first responder community. This March, ACT | The App Association, a vocal advocate for the development and success of FirstNet, will promote the importance of this network and the opportunities it provides app developers at the International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE).
The underlying promise of FirstNet is a unified platform that ensures the innovative products developed by app developers around the country will work across state lines and between a variety of first responder systems, while enabling small businesses to scale their products quickly to meet first responder needs. Without strong bandwidth, network coverage, or platform interoperability, app developers cannot adequately serve these communities or provide new efficiencies to America’s first responders.
First responders, and the communities they serve, will benefit from the nationwide adoption of FirstNet. Unfortunately, the interoperability requirements outlined by Congress for FirstNet are not enough to guarantee the free flow of data and life-saving information between emergency systems. The App Association continues to encourage states to opt in to the federal public safety broadband network and will support this effort at IWCE 2018 – an annual event for critical communications technology. Participation in this conference will be an important opportunity to discuss the challenges and solutions for implementing the first responders network and the opportunities it provides app developers who create vital innovations that help first responders effectively and efficiently do their jobs.
We look forward to participating in IWCE 2018 and engaging in meaningful discussions on broadband applications, FirstNet applications ecosystems, broadband interoperability, mobile apps, interoperability, and more. IWCE will take place in Orlando, Florida from March 5 – 9, 2018. To learn more and register, please visit www.iwceexpo.com/register. As a special benefit for our members, use code PB1 to receive free IWCE exhibit hall access, or a 20 percent discount on any conference package.
Image credit: FirstNet