The National Public Safety Telecommunications Council (NPSTC) is against Long Term Evolution (LTE) interoperability between the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) and other commercial carriers, while T-Mobile said such interoperability is essential, according to FCC filings.

Law enforcement officials from around the country emphasized the importance of strong social distancing policies in keeping law enforcement officers healthy and on duty amid the COVID-19 pandemic, during a March 27 webinar hosted by the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) and FirstNet, built with AT&T.

AT&T announced new developments around the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) including a limited mission-critical push-to-talk (MCPTT) introduction, free smartphones with contracts and the first high-power user equipment (HPUE) certifications.

The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) unanimously approved changes to the Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) charter. The PSAC was created to advise and guide FirstNet to ensure public safety’s needs are met with the nationwide public-safety broadband network (NSPBN).

The FCC granted special temporary authority (STA) to AT&T to use additional spectrum to serve Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) during the coronavirus pandemic. The commission granted AT&T access to the Advanced Wireless Service (AWS)-4 spectrum, licensed to Dish, for 60 days to expand its network capacity to meet expected increases in network traffic as a result of more Americans on the islands working from home, social distancing and sheltering in place.

AT&T outlined initiatives to help First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) subscribers respond during the COVID-19 pandemic. The carrier is adding coverage and devices where needed, and FirstNet apps are helping agencies better address response to the national emergency.

Rescue 42 said its PodRunner division entered into an exclusive supplier agreement with AT&T to provide the SatRunner Satellite communications platform configured with Wi-Fi internet and band 14 cellular for the nationwide First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) network.

The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet), built with AT&T, said it will give first responders unthrottled connectivity and waived wireless overage fees as they respond to the coronavirus crisis.

AT&T announced network status map enhancements for the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) network to provide increased situational awareness.

Several carriers announced plans to boost communications for first responders in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.