Later this year, AT&T will release a Request For Proposals (RFP) for carrier-grade Mission-Critical Push-To-Talk (MCPTT) options linked to First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) subscribers, reported RR Media Group. The carrier and FirstNet recognize the importance of open standards and competition to deliver the best solution for public safety, according to a FirstNet spokeswoman.
Chris Sambar, AT&T FirstNet senior vice president, commented that the company signed a product agreement with Motorola Solutions for its Kodiak carrier integrated PTT product, along with the eventual MCPTT version of the Kodiak service. Sambar added that since multiple MCPTT solutions will likely exist on the market, AT&T plans to offer “at least two.”
Regarding the launch of FirstNet’s app developer program, rules around the testing and evaluation process have been released, labeling apps either FirstNet-certified or FirstNet-reviewed. All reviewed apps will go through a FirstNet and AT&T board review to ensure they meet criteria for relevance to public safety and have the security and data privacy necessary to appear in the FirstNet App Catalog. Additionally, certified apps will sport a FirstNet badge.
RR Media Group also reported on the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standards that will be available to FirstNet subscribers. According to Sambar, AT&T is “looking seriously” at high-power user equipment (HPUE) devices, is “actively in talks with vendors,” and it holds some intellectual property rights around HPUE. Sambar said the carrier’s direct mode plans should be finalized by the end of 2018.
A FirstNet spokeswoman commented, “The FirstNet Authority will continue to play an active role in efforts to create and evolve standards that meet public safety’s needs and enhance interoperability. We are proactively working in international standard bodies like 3GPP to drive open, common standards for mission-critical services that meet public safety’s needs…”
March 19, 2018
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