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PSAC Spring Business Meeting highlights FirstNet network innovation, expansion; FirstNet Authority logo; PSAC members seated at a table in a meeting

PSAC Spring Business Meeting highlights FirstNet network innovation, expansion

The Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) held its Spring Business Meeting to discuss the committee’s efforts in 2021 and its ongoing plans to support FirstNet’s growth and expansion. Discussions highlighted accomplishments and business updates in 2021, PSAC Strike Team efforts, and PSAC User Working Group updates.

Tribal responders loading boxes onto the back of a vehicle; Forklift operator moving pallets of boxes; Tribal first responders standing outside a warehouse; Tribal first responders loading a small plane

FirstNet Connects Tribal First Responders During Pandemic

The National Tribal Emergency Management Council (NTEMC) works to help tribes across the country build sustainable emergency management programs. When the pandemic hit, NTEMC began supporting Indian Country by leading logistics to distribute food and personal protective equipment. NTEMC requested FirstNet deployables to support communications in rural areas, allowing the non-profit to carry out operations.
The American Public Works Association (APWA), logo and image of Public Safety Advisory Committee representatives making a presentation at a FirstNet Authority Board Meeting.

PSAC Profile: American Public Works Association (APWA)

Public works officials are a critical component of preparedness and response, working alongside law enforcement, fire, and EMS personnel to respond to emergency events. The American Public Works Association (APWA) serves as the leading organization representing municipal and county public agencies responsible for over 70% of the U.S. road systems and much of the nation’s other public infrastructure. APWA has been a valued member of the PSAC since its inception, making sure that broad interoperability is built into the FirstNet network.

A police officer uses a tablet while standing by a police patrol car; headshot of Harry Markley

Meet the Expert: Law Enforcement Advisor Harry Markley Sees a Safer, More Secure Future with FirstNet

FirstNet Authority Senior Law Enforcement Advisor Harry Markley spent more than 30 years with the Phoenix Police Department, rising through the ranks and serving in nearly every part of the department. At the FirstNet Authority, he works with law enforcement to understand how mobile broadband can fit into their operations and how FirstNet can help keep officers and the public safe.      

Photo of a 3GPP meeting room with people sitting at tables and working on computers, overlaid with gear icons and wireless network terminology: RAN, 5G, V2X, Core, MCdata."

3GPP Quarterly Meetings Focus on 5G NR Sidelink Interfaces, Stage 2 Architecture Work

The first quarterly Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Plenary e-meetings of 2021 recently concluded. At the March meetings, the 3GPP momentum continued with more Release 17 progress and a focus on the upcoming June deadline for stage 2 (architecture) work. There were major discussions on the use of the 5G New Radio (NR) sidelink interface to support both user equipment (UE) to network (U2N) relay and UE to UE (U2U) relay.