• April 14, 2023

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AT&T and FirstNet recently celebrated their six-year anniversary of when the two partnered to create a U.S. first responder network that spans the country. Following this milestone, FirstNet is excited to offer a new compact emergency support module. The Mini Compact Rapid Deployable (miniCRD) is made up of two portable ruggedized cases, providing multiple backhaul pathways while broadcasting FirstNet mobile and internet.

While FirstNet offering CRDs is nothing new, these larger “cells-on-wheels” must be transported to locations by vehicle with a trailer hitch. The new smaller, more lightweight CRD can be deployed by a single person in just minutes, and it comes with enough battery power to last up to two hours.

This miniCRD can be used by agencies for a variety of emergencies, including hurricanes and wildfires, as well as special events including marathons.

The miniCRD even has satellite backhaul provided by SpaceX’s Starlink.

“The unit connects to FirstNet through satellite or fiber backhaul. The satellite backhaul is provided by SpaceX’s Starlink with dedicated Band 14 connectivity when needed, nationwide spectrum set aside by the government for FirstNet.”

The miniCRD works across the U.S., with availability in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Pacific territories coming later this year. The base price of the miniCRD is $34,995 – a substantial price decrease from the larger CRDs at $77,995. FirstNet’s miniCRD is now available for purchase by public safety agencies.

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Sources:

fiercewireless.com/wireless/att-firstnet-celebrate-6-years-unveil-super-compact-emergency-module

mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/top-three/att-debuts-portable-emergency-module-for-firstnet/