The FCC rechartered its Technological Advisory Council (TAC) for a two-year term commencing May 17. Dale Hatfield, executive fellow with Silicon Flatirons and a member of the MissionCritical Communications editorial advisory board, and a National Emergency Number Association (NENA) employee are just two of the experts serving on the 42-member council.

To help ensure that critical infrastructure is protected and can be restored quickly when severe weather or other catastrophic events occur in Illinois, ComEd organized a statewide drill. Called “Operation Power Play,” the drill will test how agencies coordinate in the face of a significant weather or man-made event.

The increasing number of connected devices used in various businesses has created an ideal environment for the private Long Term Evolution (LTE) market because public networks cannot always ensure consistent connectivity and security for a large number of smart devices.

The European Union (EU) and the South Korean government awarded US$9.2 million (€8.3 million) to the ReponDrone consortium, which is composed of 20 partners from 12 countries, to develop and apply a situational awareness system in emergency situations, providing critical information and communication services to first responders.

Siemens and Amdocs announced the availability of a joint solution to enable mission-critical networks to leverage shared Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) spectrum.

Ondas Holdings entered into a definitive agreement to acquire 700 MHz spectrum throughout the state of Alaska and the Gulf of Mexico. Ondas Networks is offering private mobile and fixed wireless services to mission-critical users within the licensed areas.

Sierra Wireless reported results for its first quarter ended March 31. All results are reported in U.S. dollars and are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), except as otherwise indicated.

Globalstar entered a long-term strategic relationship with Seattle-based Recon Powerline allowing the company to use Globalstar's satellite and multiradio modems to help address the growing issue of wildfire risk management.

Samsung Electronics signed an expansion contract with KT to provide public-safety Long Term Evolution (PS-LTE) network solutions based on Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standard Release 13 for 10 major metropolitan regions in South Korea including Seoul by 2020. In addition, the two companies will deliver what they called the world’s first narrowband internet of things (NB-IoT) service through the PS-LTE network.

Ericsson and mining systems integration firm Ambra Solutions announced a global cooperation agreement to lead automation for the mining industry. Ambra selected Ericsson as a radio partner to provide 5G-ready network solutions to automate ventilation systems, real-time personnel and vehicle tracking, and remote controlling of machinery such as scoop diggers, hauler trucks, drillers and other mining equipment.