The first remote mission-critical push-to-talk (MCPTT) Plugtests event begins Dec. 3 and runs through end-January.

Hughes Network Systems was awarded an indefinite delivery indefinite quality (IDIQ) contract by the Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) to deliver HughesON managed network services including high-throughput satellite (HTS) connectivity for state agencies. The contract authorizes Hughes to work with Oklahoma’s more than 130 state agencies and affiliated organizations, including counties, cities, school districts and hospitals, to optimize networks to meet agency and constituents' needs throughout the state.

Titan HST, a provider of emergency response systems, said its emergency communications system was used at the 86th annual Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting. Titan Global, a full-service security provider, used the system to help safeguard the high-profile event.

Orion Labs announced strategic public-safety alliances with ResponderXLabs and the FirstNet Association (FNA). Orion is committed to improving communications and workflows for public safety through its platform for real-time push-to-talk (PTT) and voice communications for first responders worldwide.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) asked federal agencies to report their future spectrum needs during the next 15 years. The reports will help ensure the federal government is optimizing use of the nation’s spectrum resources and meeting the needs of users, including critical federal missions.

Comtech Telecommunications will provide New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) with a location-based services (LBS) platform to support location requirements for public-safety services. This multimillion-dollar deployment provides coverage to the country’s Emergency Caller Location Information (ECLI) service, enabling location determination for handsets across all New Zealand mobile networks.

Mission Critical Electronics is buying Xantrex, a power electronic products and systems manufacturer, which was part of the solar activity of Schneider Electric.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted topics for the DHS Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) 19.1 Pre-Solicitation including several specific to public-safety communications.

Australia’s New South Wales (NSW) parliament recently passed the Government Telecommunications Act 2018, repealing and replacing the former Government Telecommunications Act 1991.

FCC Commissioner Mike O’Rielly offered an update on states that have diverted 9-1-1 fees for other uses.