March 30 marked the six-year anniversary of when AT&T partnered with the FirstNet Authority to create a nationwide first-responder network in the U.S.
Today, FirstNet is celebrating the milestone with the offer of a new compact emergency support module — the miniCRD.
FirstNet has offered compact rapid deployables (CRDs) for a while. These cells-on-wheels must be transported to locations via a vehicle with a trailer hitch. Backhaul capability is provided to the CRDs by Viasat. They do not rely on commercial power availability, but instead use rechargeable batteries and an on-board battery generator. The CRDs can be purchased by first responders for $77,995.
Now, the new miniCRD is smaller and more nimble. It’s comprised of two portable, ruggedized cases that are each about the size of checked luggage, and they can be rolled like suitcases. The miniCRD can be deployed by a single person within a matter of minutes. It comes with enough battery power for two hours. But the user must provide power for recharging. The miniCRD has satellite backhaul provided by SpaceX’s Starlink.
The miniCRD can be used by agencies to support a variety of emergencies such as hurricanes and wildfires or for temporary events such as marathons. The device is now available for purchase by public safety agencies for $34,995.
Band 14 spectrum
FirstNet is built on AT&T’s commercial spectrum bands in addition to public safety’s Band 14. The U.S. government set aside Band 14 spectrum especially for FirstNet.
AT&T has a specific number of towers for Band 14 across the nation. And although FirstNet has priority and preemption on all of AT&T’s spectrum bands, in the worst cases, the Band 14 spectrum is solely dedicated to FirstNet.
The CRDs and miniCRDs can connect to the dedicated Band 14 spectrum when needed.
A big benefit of Band 14 is that it allows for high-power user equipment, enabling signals to travel much farther from the tower. The coverage range for the miniCRD is from ½ mile to 1 mile. And the coverage range for the larger CRDs is from 2 to 4 miles.
FirstNet’s network
FirstNet is owned by the FirstNet Authority. But AT&T is the primary contractor, deploying and managing the network. It currently serves 4.4 million connections for more than 25,000 public safety agencies and organizations.
FirstNet covers more than 2.91 million square miles. And AT&T says FirstNet has access to 250,000+ more square miles than competing commercial networks.
An AT&T spokesperson said today, “We're 100% complete with our FirstNet build requirements mandated by 3/30.”
However, when AT&T deploys new infrastructure such as towers and small cells, those will also benefit the FirstNet network.
Although AT&T doesn’t break out its revenues derived from FirstNet, the emergency network has been a boon for the carrier. The AT&T spokesperson said today, in perhaps a ding to Verizon, “In 2018, the leading competitor had 70% of the market share … not any longer.”