For first responders facing a crisis, reliable communications is a lifeline that gives them situational awareness and a vital link to their teams and support resources. But equipment damage and environmental conditions can break that connection, leaving first responders at risk. For the Government Technology Insider Podcast, we asked John Harris, Director of Federal Mobility Solutions for Verizon, how federal, state, and local agencies can better prepare for communications issues at the worst possible time. We also discussed what new technologies are coming to market and can help keep first responders not only connected, but even give them new capabilities that can make all the difference during an emergency.
“How do we create device-to-device connections or bubbles, of coverage to provide critical communications to first responders who may be going into a devastated area with no power, no facilities, no communications of any kind? It’s going to be critical to, number one, understand the situation, assess the situation and then, number two, get people out and recover.”
- John Harris, Director of Federal Mobility Solutions at Verizon
John brings years of real-world experience to solving public safety communications challenges. To hear his insights and recommendations, listen to the conversation here: