When members of the Public Safety community gather to discuss the state of Public Safety communications, the ability to provide consistent and reliable communications for their first responders is a top priority. When those agencies cover rural areas or areas with difficult terrain, connectivity challenges become even more significant. This is particularly relevant in regions with challenging terrain, such as mountainous areas or canyons, where expensive infrastructure like fiber is not feasible. So, how can these agencies get and maintain connectivity in areas without traditional infrastructure? As first responders increasingly rely on technology, they must have the necessary tools that simply work, regardless of location. These topics, and more, were part of the dialogue at the 2024 Vision Summit for FirstNet Users held last September in Las Vegas. Thought leaders from fire, law enforcement, EMS, and industry gathered to discuss their current and future connectivity needs.
The Importance of Flexibility and Cost-Effective Solutions
One of the key takeaways is the importance of flexibility in communication solutions. Public Safety agencies must be able to utilize solutions like deployables or satellite systems that don’t require extensive infrastructure investments but still provide the necessary coverage when and where it’s needed most. High-power user equipment (HPUE) was also mentioned by the group as a potential solution for amplifying Band 14 signals for users and is made specifically for public safety use. The ability to provide basic services like mission-critical push-to-talk (MCPTT), mobile data terminals (MDTs), and real-time video feeds from body cameras is a must in rural, off-grid areas. Moreover, the cost-effectiveness of these solutions plays a huge role. Agencies must make tough decisions about which solution brings the most effective connection to those who need it. By participating in think tank sessions such as this, agencies can learn how other departments implement these flexible and cost-effective solutions, which can save time and money.
Exploring Alternative Solutions with Deployables
To counter these connectivity challenges, deployable assets are being considered as an alternative for remote areas. Agencies who subscribe to FirstNet are eligible to request deployables during a disaster. These on-demand, deployable solutions provide temporary communication setups in emergency situations, such as a wildfire or tornado. But what happens in these rugged or rural areas when a call comes in for help? These agency-owned solutions are critical when a single responder arrives on the scene and needs instant connectivity to coordinate with other units. In 24/7 response operations, the ability to get the right information to the right people in the right area needs to happen all of the time, not just some of the people some of the time.
The Role of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellites: A Step Toward Better Coverage
The use of satellites is another promising avenue. While these solutions are still developing, they offer hope for expanding communication networks, especially in areas that are not practical for traditional infrastructure. As satellites become more integrated into Public Safety operations, it’s crucial to manage expectations and understand the limitations, such as the delay in information transmission or the inability to provide real-time data in every situation. While LEO satellite communications are an exciting option, they may not yet be the solution in every situation, especially when it comes to real-time, high-volume data like Computer- Aided Dispatch (CAD) or live video feeds. These services are crucial for first responders, especially during emergency incidents when every second counts. AT&T and AST SpaceMobile recently completed another video call by satellite to a smartphone and continues to test this method to ensure it provides the same high-quality, secure, and reliable connection because they understand the immense importance of the data flowing through it.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the challenge lies in ensuring that emergency responders in the most remote areas of our country can rely on technology to do their jobs effectively and with technology that is a natural extension of their job, not a hindrance. Another issue that was discussed was the preferences of certain technologies for younger members, and the leaders acknowledged that to effectively recruit and retain younger generations in public safety agencies, providing them with the technology tools they are already familiar with is crucial.
As agencies continue to evaluate alternate options, the goal remains clear: create a flexible, reliable, and cost-effective system that allows for seamless communication in the most challenging environments. Whether it’s a lone responder in the field or a multi-agency operation, connectivity must be guaranteed to protect both responders and the communities they serve.
Join this conversation and others at the 2025 FirstNet Users Summit from September 8-11, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Registration is now open, and it is guaranteed to be another exciting event full of robust discussions with Public Safety Thought Leadership, Industry Leaders, and Hands-On Product Demonstrations.