Officials from AT&T and the Safer Buildings Coalition (SBC) detailed the organizations’ joint efforts to improve in-building coverage for first responders during the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International conference earlier this month.

The FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) granted nine applications for broadband licenses in the 900 MHz band. All of the applications were granted to PDV Spectrum Holding Co.

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) awarded Verizon a $28.3 million contract to provide integrated voice and data services for Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Atlantic.

The Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS)’ Next G Alliance formed the Next G Alliance (NGA) Research Council and published its “6G Research Priorities.” These actions are the first steps in aligning the future vision for 6G in North America with the research that will drive wireless leadership over the next decade.

The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) Board approved a $358 million budget package to fund the agency’s operations and potential network investments in fiscal year 2023 (FY23). Meeting August 17 in Los Angeles, the board allocated the majority of the FY23 budget for enhancements and upgrades to the FirstNet network.

The Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) Next G Alliance and the 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association (6G-IA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to exchange information regarding their work programs in areas of mutual interest in the field of 6G communication systems and networks. The MoU also covers collaboration on joint activities, including workshops, seminars, webinars and trials on 6G-related topics.

After several years of development work, the Frequentis-led BroadPort consortium successfully completed the Ferry Fire Trial in Malaga, Spain, to prove the practicality of its multicountry, safety-critical broadband communication network solution in a real-world scenario. The large-scale exercise brought together more than 40 public protection and disaster relief (PPDR) organizations from across Europe, as well as eight local Spanish authorities.

With more than 60 wildfires actively burning in more than a dozen states, the Verizon Frontline Response Team continues to deploy mission-critical communications technology in support of public-safety agencies and the nearly 10,000 wildland firefighters currently on the front lines. This year alone, the Verizon Frontline Response Team has deployed nearly 1,000 Verizon Frontline solutions to first responders in 18 states including Alaska, North Carolina, Florida, California, Texas and New Mexico.

Vendors announced a variety of new products and services during the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International’s annual conference and expo.

Airport Police and Fire at the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), the second busiest cargo airport in the United States, went live with CentralSquare’s Public Safety Suite Pro system. With CentralSquare’s Public Safety Suite Pro, ANC’s police and fire department is updating its systems and transitioning to a paperless environment by automating reporting.