Need for a Fast and Reliable Network is Highlighted by the Verizon Frontline Survey

As part of a recent survey commissioned by Verizon Frontline and conducted by Lexipol, first responders across the nation were asked about how their organizations use public safety communications technology, how ready they felt their agencies were to respond to a crisis and how they felt technology would change the way they operated in the future. Key findings from the survey of nearly 2,000 first responders - which included representation from public safety answering points and emergency call centers as well as the police, fire and emergency medical services communities - included:

• Network reliability and speed matter most: First responders overwhelmingly think reliability and speed are the most important aspects of a public safety network, especially during an emergency. More than three quarters of first responders (77%) said reliability and resiliency was their No. 1 factor in daily use and nearly 60% asked for stronger connections in the field.
• Smartphones are public safety’s tool of choice: Nearly all (92%) of first responders say smartphones and tablets will remain essential daily communication tools in the next five years. Land mobile radios (LMRs) are used daily by 89% of first responders but usage is slowly declining.
• More devices mean being more connected: Public safety leaders said smartphones will remain their most important tech tool but internet-connected vehicles will become a much bigger priority within the next five years, with other technologies like augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR) applications also growing in popularity.
• 5G is a key priority: First responders say the benefits of 5G will have an important impact on the future of public safety, with the overwhelming majority (77%) recognizing 5G as a priority.

NEW YORK – If first responders have their way, the future of public safety will include more internet-connected devices, a continued emphasis on network reliability and resiliency during emergency response operations and far more demand for 5G in the coming years.

These are among the key findings from a new Verizon Frontline Public Safety Communications Survey conducted by Lexipol, which asked nearly 2,000 first responders at fire and police departments, emergency medical services organizations, public safety answering points and emergency call centers about their public safety communications technology usage both now and in the future.