By Stephen M. Kowal, Chief Commercial Officer at Nextivity
If it feels like large-scale disasters are on the increase, it’s because they are. Over the past 40 years, the frequency of natural disasters has shot up from an average of three per year in the 1980s to 13 per year during the early 2000s. With this rise, coupled with increased impact and consequences, it’s more important than ever for first responders to be able to communicate – with each other and central commanders. This communication used to happen primarily via radio, but now happens in many ways, with public cellular becoming an increasingly important option due to availability and technical advances that strengthen the signals.
A recent survey by Verizon Frontline polled emergency service professionals to gain a better understanding of how their organizations use public safety communications technology and which features of communication technology are most important to them. According to the survey, network speed and reliability matter most to first responders. 77% of the group said that reliability and resiliency was the single most important factor in daily use, while nearly 60% asked for stronger connections in the field.
The pros and cons of two-way radios
The communication tool most associated with emergency response is the two-way radio, otherwise known as the land mobile radio (LMR). LMRs are still in regular use, with 89% of first responders using them daily. This is because LMRs are very good at what they do. The simple “push to talk” function enables responders to communicate quickly, which is vital in public safety events. They are also reliable; most Fire and Building Codes require the installation of Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement Systems (ERCES), which boost LMR frequencies inside buildings to ensure exceptional coverage.
However, LMRs are limited when it comes to data. The system can only enable low-capacity data applications – such as text messaging – in its limited bandwidth. It’s therefore no surprise that 92% of first responders believe that smartphones and tablets will become essential daily communication tools in the next five years. Furthermore, 77% say that cellular is now a key priority for public safety.
The use of cellular devices in first response
Mobile applications can add significant value to emergency response. The use cases are numerous and include capturing images and videos of evidence; recording audio and collecting on-scene information; timely mission-critical data retrieval and access to records management systems; mobile computer-aided dispatch, geo-location, mobile translation, and much more.
Just as mobile devices have disrupted and improved working practices across private-sector industries, they promise to have a significant positive impact on the work of emergency responders through tools that increase efficiency, convenience, and productivity. Additionally, cellular connectivity promises further benefits by connecting a range of new devices such as body cameras, drones, and monitoring tools that will continue transforming emergency response. Without connectivity, the utility of these devices and data is diminished.
Ensuring adequate network coverage
In this emerging world, network connectivity for first responders needs to be equally focused on providing coverage and performance for LMR and cellular devices. The key issue in this regard is that all devices need to operate fully in all locations, including inside buildings and in remote areas.
Organizations that own, rent, maintain, or manage buildings, facilities, and other real estate play a key role, as they are required to meet ERCES building codes by installing either Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) or Bi-Directional Amplifier (BDA) solutions that improves public safety communication signals indoors.
Historically, public safety DAS were designed to improve only LMR coverage. But in recent years, solutions that boost and distribute LMR and FirstNet signals – such as Nextivity SHIELD EXTEND – have hit the market. Not only has the growing importance of cellular connectivity woven its way into DAS, but solutions that only boost FirstNet Band 14 have emerged. Once only available to emergency personnel, the FirstNet network is now available to essential workers, further highlighting the need for and importance of widespread coverage.
High Power User Equipment (HPUE) also solves FirstNet coverage challenges, as the unique technology keeps first responders connected at the edge of the network in areas where cellular signal is less likely.
Overcoming barriers to in-building coverage
Some organizations face challenges in achieving reliable connectivity. The most significant challenge comes from construction materials that block radio and cellular signals, including concrete, brick, metal, and e-glass (the standard glass composition used for most glass fibers). The greater the concentration of these materials, the greater the obstacle. That’s why getting a signal in a hospital — a location where first responders are in action — can be such a hard task.
To overcome this challenge, system integrators perform site surveys to discover areas in the building with poor coverage. The best approach is to conduct a grid test. Here, the floor plan of the building in question is divided into a series of grids. Using a network test and measurement device, system integrators can check to ensure that the signal reaches an appropriately high proportion of the target area – we would recommend 95% or higher depending on the jurisdiction.
Keeping responders connected
Reliable cellular coverage for public safety applications has never been more important. Emergency personnel respond to situations daily and require strong connectivity inside and outside of buildings as well as in remote areas at all times. By ensuring coverage of our public safety networks, emergency responders will have the connectivity they need to carry out their jobs and keep people safe.
About Stephen M. Kowal
Stephen Kowal is a technology industry veteran who has held strategic roles in sales, channel, and global accounts for nearly 25 years. As Chief Commercial Officer at Nextivity, Stephen is responsible for the company’s customer- and partner-facing teams, specifically those focused on sales, business development, marketing, product management, customer service, and order management.
