Siemens and Damm Cellular Systems implemented and tested an open and interoperable TETRA packet data solution that complies with European Train Control System (ETCS) level two.

Murus Cybersecurity, a communications security consulting firm, and Zetron announced an award from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T), Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program for new research to be conducted on Project 25 (P25) and Long Term Evolution (LTE) mission-critical push-to-talk (PTT) interface service.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds announced the deployment of the Iowa Statewide Interoperable Communications System (ISICS), built with Motorola Solutions Project 25 (P25) mission-critical radio communication technology.

The FCC declined to grant Skybridge Spectrum Foundation an extension or waiver of the construction deadline for 16 geographic Automated Maritime Telecommunications System (AMTS) licenses.

The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) board of directors approved its fiscal year (FY) 2019 budget at an Aug. 13 meeting. Chairwoman Sue Swenson, who will step down as chair later this month, was honored at the end of the meeting for her service to public safety.

JVCKENWOOD plans to acquire shares of Tait International in October 2018. The Japanese company entered into an agreement for a share acquisition and capital and business alliance with Tait International, a wholly owned subsidiary of New Zealand-based Tait Ltd.

The First Responder Network (FirstNet) announced two new subscriber agencies, one in Florida and the other in Georgia.

Wireless communications company Two Way Direct announced it is an AT&T FirstNet master dealer. The company is the first publicly announced master dealer that is not a product manufacturer.

pdvWireless announced Aug. 9 that its previously issued financial statements for the quarter ended Dec. 31 and the year ended March 31 will be restated and should no longer be relied on. The company Aug. 10 reported its financial details for the fiscal first quarter ending June 30.

The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) certified the new Samsung Galaxy Note9. The new smartphone is available in AT&T stores Aug. 24, and FirstNet customers can get a free Samsung Galaxy Note9, S9 or S9+ when they buy a Samsung Galaxy Note9 from AT&T.