Drop Kits Supply Communication in Emergency

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Due to communications challenges during the response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the US, the 9/11 commission recommended the establishment of a single, interoperable network for public safety. For this purpose, FirstNet was founded; a nationwide public safety communications platform dedicated to America’s first responders.

In an emergency, communication is critical to response efforts. That’s why former public safety officials and first responders at FirstNet, in collaboration with Sonim, are creating Emergency Drop Kits  According to prnewswire.com, these portable kits will envelop first responders in a 90 meter “connected bubble,” letting them maintain constant communication to better coordinate their response. The Emergency Drop Kits are being designed for use during emergencies in rural and remote areas, as well as areas where communications may be temporarily unavailable like wildfires or hurricanes.

Incident commanders will be able to drop in the kits for rapid connectivity to FirstNet. First responders will also be able to take the kits with them in the field. Ideal for short-term situations or as an interim solution until a FirstNet dedicated deployable arrives.

“This is a great example of how FirstNet is driving focused innovation for first responders,” said Chris Sambar, senior vice president, AT&T-FirstNet. “To create the Emergency Drop Kits, we’re pulling in expertise from public safety and across the industry. The kits will make it even easier for first responders to stay connected to the full capabilities of their network – no

matter where their mission takes them.” The kits are currently moving from a proof of concept to a reality for future availability to purchase.

The AT&T FirstNet team is currently working to meet with every state in the US to properly tailor the program to their distinct needs. During incidents, dedicated liaisons will be available to provide 24/7 support to the state EOCs (Emergency Operation Center). Liaisons will serve as the primary link between public safety and their FirstNet resources, coordinating across federal, state, local and tribal agencies. This will give public safety agencies a level of support during emergencies that are far beyond anything they’ve ever seen.

This close integration with public safety and EOCs will enable the AT&T FirstNet team to better solve first responders’ communications challenges.