FirstNet has announced the development of a new application that, during times of high emergency and cluttered bandwidth, can provide end-users with priority access to network resources. Called the Uplift Request Tool, FirstNet Extended Primary users can be temporarily elevated when communicating with first responders is critical, granting them the same levels of QPP (quality of service, priority and preemption) experienced by Primary users. Those users always have the highest level of QPP or “First Priority®.” This means a user with QPP will be able to get a connection, and stay connected, to the FirstNet network.
According to FirstNet, uplifting a device does not impact wireless coverage or connection speeds – it is focused on access to or retention of network resources. During times of normal network activity, an uplift will not provide a noticeable level of higher network performance for an end user because there is no congestion to delay access to the network.
Uplift events can be created through the FirstNet Central portal, a centralized dashboard for FirstNet customers to manage their dedicated FirstNet services. Designated Uplift Managers at Primary agencies can uplift devices within the portal for a period of one-to-48 hours. The request can be extended as needed in increments of 48 hours, up to a total of 30 days. Uplift requests may be initiated immediately, or for planned events where network congestion is anticipated, an Uplift event may be scheduled up to one year in advance.
Additionally, through the FirstNet Assist app, FirstNet users can view active uplift incidents within 50-99 miles of their current location and submit a request to have their device(s) added to the incident. These requests are sent to an agency Uplift Manager to consider for approval.
FirstNet cited Teton County, WY Emergency Manager Rich Ochs and his use of the new service.
“I explain to folks that we want the utility company, we want the tow truck drivers, we want the school district and their school busses and their school bus drivers on FirstNet,” said Ochs. “If we have a major disaster – for example, if we have a 7.6 earthquake in our valley – we want everybody coming to the party and we need them to help. And if they don’t have effective communications, they can’t help.”
When a major windstorm came through the county taking down trees and power lines, Ochs was able to uplift the appropriate devices for 24 hours to assist with coordination of cleanup and power restoration. He explained, “I wanted to Uplift the devices and have them connected to the network instead of the workers trying to make calls and not being able to get through. So, I uplifted the devices and it worked really well.”
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