Motorola to provide apps, software and services for FirstNet

Motorola Solutions said it has been tapped to provide mobile apps, software and services for FirstNet.

The venerable technology company said its LEX F10 device, which was designed specifically for public safety, has been certified for use on AT&T’s LTE network. Motorola will also provide a suite of mobile apps including mapping and messaging offerings designed to meet the needs of public safety officials, and those apps will work “virtually seamlessly” between FirstNet’s network and land mobile radio (LMR) networks, as well as other software and services.

“Public safety is looking for advanced, interoperable communications and collaboration capabilities,” Chris Sambar, senior vice president of AT&T FirstNet, said in a press release. “Working with Motorola Solutions and other key team members, we will help deliver broadband-enabled devices and apps that will be certified for use by public safety FirstNet services.”

FirstNet wrapped up a two-day kickoff meeting outside Dallas Thursday that was held largely to explain its offering to potential customers—56 U.S. states and territories, often called SPOCs (state single points of contact)—and answer questions.

The FirstNet organization was created in 2012, but the U.S. Department of Commerce didn’t award the contract to a service provider until March, when it granted AT&T the right to build the nation’s first network dedicated to first responders. FirstNet couldn’t cement its plans until a service provider was named, so until recently it had little information to share with potential customers.

“We’re proud to further strengthen our relationship with AT&T and continue our unique role supporting the delivery of FirstNet services to public safety entities,” Bruce Brda, executive vice president of Products & Services for Motorola Solutions said in today’s press release. “We’ll work hand-in-hand with AT&T and first responders to help provide a new generation of voice, data and messaging capabilities for U.S. public safety. Our solutions can help customers transform their communications into improved safety for Americans and for first responders."