The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency released the Rural Emergency Medical Communications Demonstration Project (REMCDP) notice of funding opportunity (NOFO). This opportunity will fund demonstration projects that address the national emergency communications plan (NECP) and examine communications barriers and identify solutions that enhance existing emergency communications infrastructure.

AT&T, the contractor for the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet), deployed a new tower in Colorado. As a result of the state’s agreement with the FirstNet program, there is a commitment to deploy 33 new towers to enhance mobile coverage for first responders, a state broadband newsletter said.

As promised before its merger with Sprint was finalized, T-Mobile launched its Connecting Heroes plan, a 10-year commitment to provide free service and 5G access to first responder agencies. The offer is valid for all public and non-profit state and local fire, police and EMS departments, the carrier said.

Digital Ally announced its first quarter 2020 operating results. Total revenue decreased in 2020 to $2.4 million from $2.5 million in 2019.

Samsung Electronics America introduced a smartphone solution tailored to operators in the federal government and Department of Defense (DoD). With a customized software and feature set, the Galaxy S20 TE can operate with a range of existing peripherals and supports the requirements of tactical and classified applications, especially those designed to help operators navigate complex terrain, expansive distances and the potential loss of communications with command units.

The Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) announced a call to action and shared its vision for collaboration across government, academia and industry to promote U.S. leadership on the path to 6G.

Geoverse and Communications Technology Services (CTS) teamed to provide portable private LTE/5G networks to better serve the temporary enterprise demand.

The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) launched in the three Pacific territories — American Samoa, Guam and the commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. FirstNet is adding three on-island portable cell sites, one per territory, to its FirstNet fleet of dedicated deployable network assets to support public-safety agencies in the territories in time for typhoon season.

The U.K. Emergency Service Network (ESN) reviewed the Telit LM960A18 PCI Express Mini Card (mPCIe) Gigabit LTE module for use by the network. The internet of things (IoT) module can be integrated into handheld devices and wireless routers for gigabit cellular communications.

The FCC plans to vote on a proposal to spur the transition to Advanced Television Systems Committee 3.0 (ATSC 3.0), the next-generation standard for broadcast TV with several public-safety communications benefits. The declaratory ruling would clarify how long-standing television station ownership rules apply to the lease of spectrum to provide broadcast internet services.