Motorola Solutions will provide “best in class” mobile apps, sofware and services for the 4G LTE wireless/mobile broadband network AT&T is building for the federal government’s FirstNet network, the company said yesterday. Having come out on top of FirstNet’s RFP selection process, AT&T chose Motorola Solutions as a key AT&T FirstNet equipment supplier. Motorola will be a key part of the FirstNet project team, which aims to deploy and operate the U.S.’ first nationwide public safety wireless/mobile broadband network.
“We’re proud to further strengthen our relationship with AT&T and continue our unique role supporting the delivery of FirstNet services to public safety entities,” Motorola Solutions Products & Services’ executive vice president Bruce Brda said.
AT&T FirstNet Equipment
The 4G LTE mobile apps, devices and solutions Motorola Solutions works with AT&T to develop and roll out will be designed to enhance situational awareness and enable emergency first responders nationwide to make better, more informed decisions faster by accessing vital information and contextual information and data more quickly and easily, management highlighted.
FirstNet (The First Responder Network Authority) issued its Request for Proposals (RFP) for the deployment of the nationwide public safety broadband network in January, marking a major step forward in its efforts to modernize communications for first responders and other public safety personnel across the U.S.
AT&T in late March said it would invest about $40 billion over 25 years to build, operate and maintain the FirstNet 4G LTE wireless/mobile broadband network for the U.S. government. In return, the carrier will be able to share 20 MHz of spectrum in the 700 MHz band allocated to FirstNet, with public safety users having priority access.
“We’ll work hand-in-hand with AT&T and first responders to help provide a new generation of voice, data and messaging capabilities for U.S. public safety. Our solutions can help customers transform their communications into improved safety for Americans and for first responders,” said Brda.
More specifically, Motorola Solutions’ LEX F10 device has been certified for use on AT&T’s LTE wireless broadband network. The manufacturer also intends to deliver a suite of mobile apps, such as mapping and messaging, designed and built specifically with the unique needs of public safety front of mind. The mobile app suite is expected to work seamlessly with FirstNet network and land mobile radio networks (LMR), as well as other software and services that support and enable its new communications capabilities.
“Public safety is looking for advanced, interoperable communications and collaboration capabilities,” said Chris Sambar, AT&T Global Public Sector senior vice president for FirstNet. “Working with Motorola Solutions and other key team members, we will help deliver broadband-enabled devices and apps that will be certified for use by public safety seeking FirstNet services.”
Image courtesy of flickr user First Responder Network.
