How 5G Is Shaping the Future of Public Safety Technology for First Responders

The world is moving headlong into 5G wireless broadband communications, and public safety is joining this advance. “We’re entering a new era for first responders defined by connectivity and intelligence,” said James Mitchell. He is Managing Director of Obelisk Associates and former Chief of Staff for the FirstNet Authority. “A lot of people just associate 5G with faster wireless broadband, but it’s an enabler for next generation public safety tools such as situational awareness applications, drone feeds, telemedicine, and AI-assisted decision making. So, when you think of 5G, it’s not just another number on the network. It’s a platform for all these new technologies to be available over broadband.”

Why 5G Is a Game-Changer for First Responders

There are many reasons why 5G is a game-changer for public safety agencies. Here are three major ones.

Faster Response Times Through Real-Time Data

A typical 4G/LTE network can send data at speeds up to 100 Mbps. 5G can move data at speeds of 1 Gbps or more in densely populated areas. This difference is as significant as the difference between yesterday’s dial-up internet access and today’s broadband.

“As a result, 5G enables instant transmission of critical data,” said Mitchell. “EMS records can be digitally sent with minimal lag time. So can building schematics for firefighters and police entering a building. This supports better decision-making in the field and more effective first responses.”

Lower Latency for Critical Communication Tools

Latency refers to the time it takes for a data packet on a network to go from one place to another. The longer the latency, the more time that first responders have to wait for critical information to move back and forth.

Thanks to its multiple access points and denser network configuration, 5G lowers latency across broadband wireless networks to a very significant degree. “In fact, in urban environments the 5G latency rate can drop below one millisecond,” Mitchell said. “This efficiency is inherent in the design of 5G technology. The data transfer rate is virtually instantaneous.”

Enhanced Device Connectivity in the Field

5G’s network design allows it to support many connecting devices at once. At a time when bodycams, wearable sensors, and other wireless-connected devices are adding to the network traffic generated by smartphones and tablets, this capability is sorely needed. 

Right now, 4G/LTE is struggling to keep up. “However, with 5G, you can have a very crowded public safety network and still be able to keep up,” Mitchell said. “This creates new application opportunities not just for single agency responses but multiple agencies with multiple devices all interoperating through shared live data streams.”

FirstNet’s 5G Deployment Strategy for Public Safety

As the only public safety network with its own dedicated bandwidth (Band 14), FirstNet takes its responsibility for rolling out 5G to its first responder users very seriously. This is why FirstNet is investing $6.3 billion over the next decade to expand services and innovation, including the  roll out 5G services to its member agencies in a much shorter time frame. This investment is being funded by user fees.

Band 14 Integration with Nationwide 5G

Band 14 is FirstNet’s Congressionally allocated radio spectrum reserved exclusively for first responder users. It is managed under contract for FirstNet by AT&T, which not only  provides FirstNet users with preferred priority and preemptive access on Band 14, but also on AT&T’s commercial cellular network.

“Under FirstNet’s 5G investment plan, Band 14 will provide 5G service to first responders,” said Mitchell. “What this means is that FirstNet public safety users will be able to count on the 5G service they need to support a whole new range of integrated data services, even in the worst of commercial cellular network conditions.”

Coverage, Priority, and Preemption Expands

All of the advantages that 4G/LTE FirstNet users enjoy today such as the best coverage in the continental United States, exclusive priority and prevention use of Band 14, and  on AT&T’s commercial network will carry over onto 5G and 5G+, “which is a millimeter wave spectrum wherever it is available,” Mitchell said. “In terms of dedicated lanes, it’s like expanding from one lane on the highway to six. With 5G and 5G+, FirstNet users will never be competing with commercial traffic for network access.”

Dedicated Core for First Responders’ Phone Service and Data

FirstNet already employs a physically separate dedicated core with encryption, priority routing and traffic segregation for public safety traffic. These are features not found on commercial cellular networks. This security and reliability will be extended into FirstNet’s 5G service.

Planning Your Agency’s 5G Transition

With the world moving to 5G, it makes sense for public safety agencies to do the same. After all, they had to make the same kind of changes when dial-up was replaced by internet broadband. (Fun fact: AOL just disconnected its dial-up service for good.)

So what should public safety agencies be doing to plan for their 5G transitions? “First, agencies should look at what they have today,” replied Mitchell. “They should assess which devices they have that are connected to 4G/LTE, and which of these devices are 5G-capable. Next, they need to work with their IT staff to factor these compatible devices into their 5G transition plan, and determine what 4G/LTE equipment they need to replace to make the move to 5G seamless and painless for their people. Subsequently, they should explore the additional capabilities being offered by 5G and what this can mean to their agencies. For instance, 5G will make it much easier to share live video feeds from drones and use them to inform  decision-making in the field.”

FirstNet member agencies should talk to their FirstNet reps to find out what 5G can do for them — along with other advances such as AI and the 4.9 GHz spectrum that the FirstNet Authority is working on. 

“It’s better to plan for 5G now than to suddenly just have 5G turned on and not know what that actually means,” Mitchell said. “You want to capitalize on the investment that the FirstNet Authority and AT&T are making to ensure that FirstNet is the best dedicated public safety network it can be, and their $6.3 billion plans are going to be critical to make sure that happens.”

At the same time, FirstNet agencies who have invested heavily in 4G/LTE technology need not fear that this investment is about to be made obsolete. “Let’s be clear: The entire portfolio of 4G/LTE service that FirstNet provides to its members will persist as the FirstNet Authority rolls out 5G nationwide,” said Mitchell. “FirstNet’s mission is to serve first responders first. As such, they won’t leave public safety agencies out in the cold during the move to 5G.”

To learn more about FirstNet’s 5G transition plan, go here.

FAQs of 5G for First Responders

What are the benefits of 5G for first responders?

5G will provide first responders with much faster data speeds, fewer network delays due to latency, and the bandwidth to support many more applications such as live drone video feeds to multiple users.

Is FirstNet using 5G for public safety communications?

FirstNet is in the process of rolling out 5G services to first responders across the continental USA.

How does 5G improve emergency response times?

5G’s much-faster data rates provide first responders with the data and communications they need on a virtually instantaneous basis. This translates into improved emergency response times.

What devices work with FirstNet’s 5G network?

The list of compatible FirstNet devices can be found here.

How can my agency transition to 5G for public safety?

Contact FirstNet for support and advice here.

Does 5G replace FirstNet’s existing LTE coverage?

No, it supplements it.

What should agencies consider when preparing for 5G?

They should assess what devices they have now that are 5G capable, plan to replace those that aren’t, and learn about 5G to see what new applications are now available to them.

Is 5G secure enough for emergency communications?

Yes, 5G is more than secure enough.