Rural coverage, physical security and cybersecurity, and integration with next-generation technologies dominated much of the discussion during a hearing on the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) held by the Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation and the Internet July 20.

GeoComm hired Bill Petrea as the territory sales manager for the Eastern United States. Petrea has more than 21 years of experience in the public-safety industry and has served in various roles throughout his career in both the public and private sector, ranging from dispatcher to director, as well as a serving as technical services specialist with the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International.

The U.K. Department of Health (DH) selected Frequentis’ 3020 LifeX integration platform as a replacement for its current integrated command and control system (ICCS). The department’s control room software (CRS) project required a new approach to the provision of radio dispatch for the UK Ambulance Trust using a cloud-based model. The system will enable the trust to be ready to transition to the United Kingdom’s Emergency Services Network (ESN).

The Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) published two resources on securing critical network infrastructure against growing and evolving cyber threats.

The FCC requested comment on a petition filed by the WiMAX Forum that proposed service rules for the Aeronautical Mobile Airport Communications System (AeroMACS). AeroMACS refers to a collection of high data rate wireless networks that are used in accordance with international standards for airport surface operations to provide broadband communications between aircraft and other vehicles, as well as between fixed critical assets.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg announced the state’s participation in the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) nationwide public-safety broadband network (NPSBN) at a weekly press conference. Iowa is the fifth state to opt in to network after Virginia, Wyoming, Arkansas and Kentucky.

xG Technology announced that its Vislink business has received orders worth approximately $1 million for its HCAM high efficiency video coding (HEVC) 4K wireless camera systems for deployment in China. The orders are part of global preorders exceeding more than US$2.5 million received by Vislink for its latest wireless camera technology.

Aviat Networks announced a new public-safety project with Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, that will upgrade older technology, transitioning the county from all TDM to Ethernet (IP) service. In addition to products, Aviat will provide design and installation services for the project.

Cubic acquired Deltenna, a wireless infrastructure company specializing in the design and delivery of radio and antenna communication solutions. The addition of Deltenna, headquartered in Chippenham, United Kingdom, will enhance Cubic’s tactical communication and training capabilities by effectively delivering high-capacity data networks within challenging and rigorous environments, a company statement said.

Motorola Solutions announced today it will work with artificial intelligence (AI) company Neurala to develop intelligent cameras for public-safety users. The goal is to enable police officers to more efficiently search for objects or persons of interest, such as missing children and suspects.

El Paso Electric has placed an additional order for Nighthawk Systems CEO700 remote power disconnect units, which will operate on the American Messaging wireless network. El Paso Electric has an ongoing remote disconnect program using the Nighthawk Systems-American Messaging partnership. Nighthawks CEO700 gives electric utilities the ability to remotely disconnect