As the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) continues in its second year of service for public-safety agencies across the country, coverage will help determine the long-term success of the network and AT&T’s contract to build out a nationwide public-safety broadband network (NPSBN).

The Motorola Solutions Foundation, the charitable arm of Motorola Solutions, announced a $91,000 grant to benefit the Society of Women Engineers (SWE).

A report from the newly formed DRONERESPONDERS found that Chinese drone maker DJI is the undisputed leader in providing drones to U.S. public safety agencies. Confusion exists among local public-safety professionals surrounding the alleged security vulnerabilities with Chinese drone technology, the report said.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) released an update to the National Emergency Communications Plan (NECP). The NECP is the nation’s strategic plan for coordinating and advancing emergency communications to establish and maintain operability, interoperability and continuity.

A new report from a device testing company found Long Term Evolution (LTE) devices for public safety have speech intelligibility concerns.

Northrop Grumman received a $1.6 million contract award from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) for a proof-of-concept demonstration referred to as FireWatch.

The Public Safety Technology Alliance (PSTA) released the cybersecurity technical subcommittee report, which includes the initial PSTA recommendations for public safety and industry. The report includes eight best practices and checklists for public-safety agencies based on their size.

The FCC announced the members who will serve on the six working groups of the Communications Security, Reliability, and Interoperability Council VII (CSRIC VII). The CSRIC’s mission is to provide advice and recommendations to the commission to improve the security, reliability, and interoperability of the nation’s communications systems.

The N.C. Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) opened the Network Monitoring and Assistance Center (NMAC), which will help support an uninterrupted flow of communications for emergency call centers that have adopted next-generation 9-1-1 (NG 9-1-1) technology.

The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) and the Telecommunications Standards Development Society, India (TSDSI) agreed to collaborate to accelerate the development of information and communications technology (ICT) standards.