GWT and Morris County, New Jersey, have partnered to conduct a pilot that demonstrates advanced network functionality and features for Long Term Evolution (LTE) using band 14. The pilot will focus on deploying a sub-macro radio access network (RAN) consisting of small and pico cells, as well as light vehicular deployables. The pilot will demonstrate the versatility of an LTE architecture that uses heterogeneous network (HetNet) principles to ensure first responders dynamically receive sufficient coverage and capacity on demand. Morris County is a good representation of the variety of urban, suburban and rural environments first responders encounter.
The pilot will include advanced traffic prioritization management algorithms, and first responder applications, such as mission-critical voice, group calling and broadcast video.
“This deployment represents an evolution for public-safety LTE and expands the network options to encompass more flexible and lighter architectures similar to the concept of heterogeneous networks that has been popular among the commercial carriers,” said David Gross, director of product marketing for GWT. “It will support the coverage and capacity requirements of today’s first responders while maintaining the flexibility and robustness that first responders require.
“The transition to a nationwide public-safety network offers many benefits for public safety including prioritized use of new spectrum, lower cost through integration of new technologies and network architectures and new features designed specifically for first responders,” said Gross. “This is yet another facet of JerseyNet’s deployables-focused network which can enable first responders to ‘bring their coverage with them’ when responding to incidents where support from the fixed wireless network is poor.”
In a phased approach, GWT will deploy multiple LTE base stations across Morris County and initially provide band 14-compatible devices for the Morris County Office Emergency Management Team’s use. They will use the devices to evaluate the network’s coverage and capabilities against their daily use cases. The pilot network will be integrated with JerseyNET once it is deployed.
“We are excited for Morris County and GWT to work together on being at the forefront of an innovative next generation network and seeing all of the additional features and functionality this will enable for our first responders and New Jersey as a whole,” said Scott Digirolomo, Morris County director of the Department of Law and public safety/emergency management coordinator.
Morris County covers 481 square miles, covers a population of almost 500,000 and hosts a variety of terrain, urban and suburban environments.
