The telco expects select first responders on FirstNet to trial public-safety-grade satellite communications later this year.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted AST SpaceMobile, in collaboration with AT&T, approval to test direct-to-cellular satellite connectivity over Band 14 spectrum, used exclusively for public safety. The tests will use AST SpaceMobiles BlueBird satellites, enabling select first responders on the FirstNet network to trial satellite-based communications later this year.
This initiative aims to bolster FirstNets multi-layered coverage with satellite connectivity tailored to public safety needs. Last year, FirstNet successfully trialled mission-critical features like push-to-talk over satellite, paving the way for expanded capabilities in hard-to-reach areas.
Matt Walsh, AVP FirstNet and NextGen 9-1-1 Products, AT&T, said: “Satellite connectivity on FirstNet is being built with public safetys unique needs in mind. First responders need more than the minimum and we are excited to continue building out our comprehensive network to serve the public safety community.”
As the only nationwide broadband network dedicated to public safety, FirstNet serves more first responders than any other network in the US. The satellite-to-cell technology will further extend FirstNets reach into rural, remote and off-grid areas like national parks, where thousands of annual search and rescue missions occur.
Public safety agencies have long called for reliable satellite solutions, leading FirstNet to develop a fleet of over 180 satellite-based deployable assets. Agencies have also purchased more than 500 mobile cell sites, enhancing their ability to control their communications infrastructure. FirstNet users with compatible devices already benefit from satellite-enabled features such as peer-to-peer messaging and emergency satellite services.
