Emergency communicationsLas Vegas first responders testing next-generation LTE broadband

Public safety officers in Las Vegas, Nevada, are on the air with a 700 MHz Band 14 LTE (Long Term Evolution) solution through a pilot program that demonstrates the potential of next-generation wireless broadband technology.

Harris Corporation says it is providing Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) the system that delivers LTE capability through modems installed in department vehicles. The Harris system puts integrated, mission-specific information into the hands of public safety officers who respond to millions of calls each month.

The system capitalizes on LTE’s capabilities — such as presence, real-time video, mapping, and voice and messaging. It allows participants to use their COPLINK and Omega applications, which support Computer Aided Dispatch, National Crime Information Center lookup, and field reporting. The pilot program also highlights the collaboration between local agencies.

“Our vision is to bring the most advanced capabilities to Nevada, so we’re evaluating the possibilities of LTE in the hands of Las Vegas first responders,” said Joseph Lombardo, assistant sheriff, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. “We’re eager to explore the potential for improved situational awareness, and real-time video — capabilities that will enhance efficiency and effectiveness in the field,” Lombardo added.

LVMPD is testing Harris’s Radio Access Network infrastructure connected to the Harris hosted LTE core in Chelmsford, Massachusetts Nokia Siemens Networks, a provider of LTE technology, supplied eNode B “base stations,” components of the RAN infrastructure, which are able to operate in all 20 MHz of the 700 MHz Band 14 spectrum allocated to public safety. Harris says that it and Nokia Siemens Networks are blending experience in advanced, mission-critical communications and LTE network design to deliver a system that allows first responders to test the power of access to mission-specific, actionable data in the field.

“The public safety communications landscape is changing. Harris, along with our partners-including Nokia Siemens Networks-is helping first responders to take advantage of emerging, innovative tools,” said Chuck Shaughnessy, vice president, LTE Business, Harris Public Safety and Professional Communications. “This program enables LVMPD to accumulate real experience using and testing the possibilities of next generation broadband, ahead of the build out of the nationwide public safety broadband network,” he added.

This program is the second pilot announced by Harris in recent months. In March, Miami-Dade police officers began participating in a 700 MHz Band 14 LTE pilot program. In Miami, Harris also is demonstrating the capabilities of its Next Connect Solution, a technology that allows first responders to maintain seamless, secure connectivity when moving between private and public broadband networks.