Ultra-rugged XP7 LTE Android smartphones delivered mission-critical data communications to public safety agencies

Given the heightened security conditions and the tens of thousands of football fans who ascended upon Levi’s® Stadium on Feb. 7 and the days leading up to the event, the NCRIC and FBI faced several challenges: 1) the need for a reliable, resilient network that would not be impacted by network congestion; 2) the need for interoperability between agencies; and 3) the need for FirstNet-ready devices with access to mission-critical apps required to support public safety operations.

“We wanted to demonstrate an LTE Band Class 14 network to showcase what can be done using spectrum allocated to FirstNet for public safety. It was amazing how the vendors pulled together the network and devices that could be easily integrated, configured and deployed in three weeks,” said Mike Sena, Director, NCRIC. “This was a monumental task given the heightened security needed at this event. Everything worked extremely well.”

One of the leading OEMs in public safety broadband deployments, Sonim partnered with Parallel Wireless, Mutualink and ESChat to deliver a reliable, seamless end-to-end communications solution integrated on Sonim’s XP7 LTE Android smartphone during the event.

To address the challenge of reliable network capabilities, the integration of FirstNet required a mobile solution that enabled first responders to bring their coverage with them. Parallel Wireless provided two eNodeB radios, which focus on using low-cost, portable and easy to deploy small cells (known as CWS). The eNodeB, which is the size of a brief case and mounted on a 10-foot light tower, provided Band 14 network coverage over the entire venue. The network was managed by Parallel Wireless’ HetNet Gateway (HNG). HNG is the industry’s first public-safety-grade, 3GPP compliant RAN orchestrator that made this network self-configuring, self-optimizing, and self-healing.

“Parallel Wireless has developed an innovative solution to make Public Safety LTE deploy at the speed of dispatch,” said Steve Kropper, Vice President, Parallel Wireless. “This was proven once again when the network was up and running in under 20 minutes and Sonim devices were connected to the network. Eliminating the need for months of planning and heavy, expensive equipment, the Parallel Wireless solution allows first responders to always stay connected and focus on the job at hand.”

Interoperability between NCRIC and the FBI was also crucial. Mutualink’s interoperable communications platform enabled secure, real-time sharing of radio, voice, text, video and data between the agencies. Mutualink serves as a gateway to bridge disparate systems so that all parties responding to an emergency can communicate and collaborate in real time.

ESChat provided first responders a secure communication platform using the dedicated LTE bandwidth required for mission critical Push-to-Talk (PTT) operations. ESChat’s integrated real-time location tracking & mapping was also used for enhanced situational awareness. First responders working “The Big Game” reported that radio communications were so clear it was as if they were talking face-to-face.

“Thanks to all of our technology partners, Sonim has been able to create a flexible ecosystem to meet the communication needs of public safety agencies, no matter how big or small,” said Robert Escalle, Vice President – Public Safety & Defense, Sonim Technologies. “We have the capability to transform the needs of first responders by delivering the latest technology to help them carry out their mission as a result of these partnerships and advances in mobile technology.”