How will the Network benefit first responders and help them do their jobs better?

FirstNet will improve communications, response times and outcomes for first responders from coast-to-coast, in rural and urban areas, inland and on boarders – leading to safer, and more secure communities. The Network will provide first responders with innovation and robust capacity so they can take advantage of advanced technologies, tools and services during emergencies, such as: 

• Applications that allow first responders to reliably share videos, text messages, photos and other information during incidents in near real-time; 
• Advanced capabilities, like camera-equipped connected drones and robots, to deliver images of wildfires, floods or other events; 
• Improved location services to help with mapping capabilities during rescue and recovery operations; and 
• Wearables that could relay biometric data of a patient to the hospital or alert when a fire fighter is in distress. 

Network technology will also be tested and validated through the FirstNet Innovation and Test Lab, located in Boulder, CO, so first responders will have the proven tools they need in disasters and emergencies.