The COVID-19 pandemic has sped up the adoption rate of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet), FirstNet Board Chair Ed Horowitz during a fireside chat as part of the Public Safety Communications Research’s (PSCR) Virtual Conference July 29.

The Los Angeles Regional Interoperable Communications System (LA-RICS) Authority was formed in 2009 to cooperatively establish a countywide, interoperable public-safety communications network. The early efforts of LA-RICS were focused on the creation of a Project 25 (P25) LMR system.

During a second-quarter earnings call July 23, AT&T executives said the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted some aspects of the business but said First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) momentum remains strong.

The Qumu board of directors appointed TJ Kennedy president and CEO. Kennedy will succeed Vern Hanzlik, who stepped down as president and CEO and as a director of the company to pursue other interests.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) Emergency Communication Networks (ECN) developed a wireless carrier evaluation guide to help public-safety agencies in the state and around the country evaluate broadband wireless service provider options.

The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) highlighted more coverage buildouts, noting the network already covers more than 99% of the U.S. population. In areas where coverage already exists, band 14 spectrum is providing more capacity. Band 14 has been deployed on existing cell sites in more than 700 markets nationwide.

Allerio announced that its Allerio Mobile Hub solution was approved as First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) Ready for use on the FirstNet network. Allerio is a portable connectivity platform that optimizes cellular connectivity, enabling first responders in the field to record, share and transmit critical patient and other broadband data quickly at the point of care and in transit.

Following a rigorous review process, JPS VIA is now First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) Certified and accessible via the FirstNet App Catalog.

Three U.S. Department of Commerce agencies announced the awardee of the $2 million Accelerate R2 Network (R2 Network) Challenge. The R2 Network Challenge connects stakeholders in the response and resilience (R2) industries, accelerating the speed at which startups and other organizations can bring innovations to the public-safety market.

The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) and state officials announced a spate of coverage enhancements to the public-safety broadband network in the Northeast. Maryland, Vermont, Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Hampshire all made FirstNet coverage-related announcements this week.