Verizon to build public safety network core
Verizon has said it will build a dedicated network core for public safety in the US and will offer priority access and pre-emption at no charge for first responders.
The company has announced that it will make “substantial investments” in new network capabilities, as well as expanded products and services, to enhance its 4G LTE network for public safety.
“We stand with the public safety officials that keep our cities, communities and neighborhoods safe,” said John Stratton, Verizon executive vice president and president of global operations. “Support for public safety is in our company’s DNA and our commitment to them never waivers.”
In announcing the move, Verizon said it is “responding to requests from public safety agencies” and that it will:
- build and operate its own private public safety communications network core to manage and directs all communications functions, such as network access and call routing. The dedicated core will operate separately from its commercial core and provide first responders with access to the company’s 6.2 million square kilometre 4G LTE network;
- make priority access and pre-emption services available to public safety when necessary and at no charge;
- invest in new mission-critical 4G LTE voice communications to complement existing services such as its Push-to-Talk Plus (which already includes interoperability with extant Land Mobile Radio networks).
Verizon said that its public safety network solution — fully funded by the company — will not require that states opt out of FirstNet, “does not require access to any federal funding provided to FirstNet, and does not require any financial commitment from states to support network deployment”.
The company also said that it will make available multiband devices that will provide access to Band 14 spectrum and enable full interoperability with any Band 14 radio access networks (RANs) deployed by FirstNet.
“We’re making the investments necessary to give public safety access to the best possible network coverage, reliability and capability, when and where they need it,” said Michael Maiorana, senior vice president, Public Sector for Verizon.
“Our public safety network will provide a comprehensive and cost-effective solution for public safety, and we’ll continue working to offer first responders the network reliability and access to innovative services they need to keep our communities safe.”
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