Reliable Mission Critical Communications in Public Safety

Reliable mission critical communications (MCC) is the gold standard for any public safety agency. In plain language, reliable MCC translates into voice, video, and data communications that must get through no matter how chaotic the incident scene is. In fact, the more chaotic it is, the more reliable MCC matters to first responders. This is why FirstNet, the nationwide wireless broadband service dedicated to public safety, was created.

What Reliable Mission Critical Communications Means for Public Safety

Reliable MCC means more to public safety than just reliable mission critical networks. It also applies to the smartphones, tablets, and wireless wearables that first responders depend on to keep them connected. People’s lives count on these professionals getting their messages through. 

“Public safety is really about collaboration,” explained Keith Redlin, Director of Samsung’s Public Sector and Safety division and a reserve deputy with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office. “Being able to see, hear, and interact with each other is central to making collaboration work, which is why reliable MCC matters so much.”

Samsung understands the weight of this mission. It provides a full portfolio of ruggedized 4G/LTE and 5G smartphones, tablets, and wearables that  are certified on FirstNet’s AT&T-operated network infrastructure, and can operate on all other wireless carriers in the United States.

“Our ruggedized devices are all IP68 and MIL-STD-810H rated for protection from dust, water, and shocks, including being dropped,” said Loki Carney, part of Samsung’s AT&T Business-to-Business team. “They have removable batteries, which is crucial for a lot of mission critical deployments that require long hours without the option to charge batteries in the field. Samsung’s devices are also optimized for glove use, so that they can be utilized even when wet or with gloves on.”

Challenges in Achieving Reliable Communications During Emergencies

Establishing consistent communications between first responders is vital for public safety. The inability to do so reliably during 9/11 in New York City tragically cost many lives. This is why Congress subsequently created the FirstNet Authority to provide a nationwide solution to this problem by building FirstNet. 

Network Congestion and Signal Gaps

Network congestion—literally too much traffic caused by too many people making calls at once—is a constant problem during natural and human-caused disasters. FirstNet avoids network congestion due to its dedicated services like Priority and Preemption on Band 14. Band 14 is a slice of radio spectrum that gives exclusive service to public safety users on FirstNet. No other broadband network in the world has access to it.

“Samsung works closely with FirstNet to ensure that our devices are optimized for Band 14,” Carney said. “This ensures that ruggedized Samsung smartphones, tablets, and wearables provide the reliable MCC that FirstNet users are counting on.”

Signal gaps are also an impediment to reliable MCC. This is why FirstNet offers the most comprehensive coverage of any wireless broadband service in the United States, including in rural and remote areas.

Interoperability Between Agencies

One of the major problems during 9/11 was the inability of police, fire, and EMS agencies to talk to each other. This was because their proprietary radio systems were not interoperable.

By being a nationwide broadband service based on 4G/LTE and 5G wireless communications standards, FirstNet completely sidesteps this issue. Whether using Samsung devices or those made by other FirstNet tested-and-approved manufacturers, FirstNet users have no problem interoperating with each other. Ever.

Reliable MCC means more to public safety than just reliable mission critical networks. It also applies to the smartphones, tablets, and wireless wearables that first responders depend on to keep them connected. People’s lives count on these professionals getting their messages through. 

How FirstNet Strengthens Critical Communication Systems

With its exclusive use of Band 14, Priority and Preemption service for first responders (meaning that their calls always come first), and the best wireless coverage in the nation, FirstNet has been purpose-built to strengthen critical communications systems for public safety. 

But that’s not all: FirstNet has an arsenal of portable cellular transmission sites (through FirstNet Response Operations) distributed across America. These units can be deployed to restore FirstNet and AT&T emergency service to affected areas within hours of being requested.

During non-emergency situations, FirstNet and its partners are always ready to help FirstNet users get the most out of the network and their equipment. “At Samsung, we have a team of former and active first responders who can sit down with a public safety agency to help them make the best communications decisions,” said Redlin. “Along with FirstNet, they help these first responders attain the reliable MCC that they are looking for.”

The Reliable MCC That First Responders Need

With the help of the FirstNet Authority and committed equipment suppliers like Samsung, the FirstNet wireless broadband network is able to provide first responders with the reliable mission critical communications that they need. 

The fact that more than 30,000 public safety agencies are now using FirstNet attests to the truth of this fact. When it comes to reliable MCC, FirstNet is the best option for police, fire, and EMS agencies nationwide.

FAQ

What are mission critical communications?

Mission critical communications (MCC) are the voice, video and data communications used by police, fire, and EMS agencies to protect the public by getting help to them fast.

What is Band 14 and why is it important for reliability?

Band 14 is the piece of radio spectrum that has been prioritized for first responder use by Congress and is only accessible to FirstNet users.

How does FirstNet provide critical communication systems?

FirstNet provides mission critical communications through Band 14, ensuring Priority & Preemption service to first responders, and offering the best network coverage in the country, 

Is FirstNet available to all public safety organizations?

As long as they are in the United States, the answer is yes. Learn more here.