NEWARK, N.J. – Panasonic, an industry leading manufacturer of mobile computing devices supporting customers’ digital transformations with smart answers to tough challenges, today announced that the TOUGHBOOK 33 (CF-33 EM7511) and TOUGHBOOK 54 (CF-54 EM7511) are FirstNet Ready, so they have been tested and approved for use on the FirstNet communications platform.
FirstNet is the nationwide wireless communications platform dedicated to America’s first responders and public safety community. It’s built with AT&T in a public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) – an independent agency within the federal government. FirstNet is bringing public safety communications into the 21st century, giving first responders the modern tools they need to strengthen their incident response.
These FirstNet Ready™ TOUGHBOOK devices signify Panasonic’s commitment to equipping first responders with the reliable tools and seamless communication they need to protect their communities when it matters most.
The Panasonic TOUGHBOOK devices will now be able to accept a FirstNet SIM, giving public safety access to the dedicated, physically separate FirstNet network core built just for them. This will also let public safety to take advantage of the unique capabilities of FirstNet like First Priority™, enabling priority and, for first responders, preemption. This helps ensure first responders can connect to the critical information they need – every day and in every emergency.
Working with Sierra Wireless, the leading provider of fully integrated device-to-cloud solutions for the Internet of Things (IoT), Panasonic engineers built the AirPrime® EM7511 Band 14-compatible module into the TOUGHBOOK 33 and TOUGHBOOK 54 and will continue to integrate this module into a diverse range of TOUGHBOOK devices, including 2-in-1 devices, tablets, and other hardware solutions trusted by first responders around the globe.
“The FirstNet communications platform is a major advancement in empowering first responders with the near real-time information and reliable tools they need to serve their communities during mission critical situations,” said Mary Beth Hall, Director of Wireless Strategy, Marketing at Panasonic System Solutions of North America. “As an AT&T member of the FirstNet Dealer Program and provider of devices that can be used to connect to FirstNet services, we are proud to support the FirstNet mission as we continue to enable a seamless transition for existing and future customers.”
As an authorized AT&T member of the FirstNet Dealer Program, Panasonic is equipping the public safety community with industry-leading rugged devices and FirstNet services. Following a nationwide tour to educate, equip and empower first responders with the services, tools and technology they need to complete their transition to FirstNet, Panasonic will continue to work closely with organizations nationwide to support their needs with purpose-built devices.
“In emergency situations, first responders require a reliable communications network in order to restore public safety within their communities as quickly and safely as possible,” said Bob Sloan, Chief Operating Officer, FirstNet Program at AT&T. “Panasonic understands the FirstNet landscape and the technology first responders need to help carry out their mission. We look forward to continuing our collaboration as we ensure first responders are connected to a dedicated communications platform nationwide.”
“FirstNet is built for America’s first responders and their lifesaving mission,” said Jeff Bratcher, CTO and Operations Officer, First Responder Network Authority. “So it is exciting to see Panasonic join the growing public safety marketplace of devices and applications. We are pleased to welcome them to the FirstNet ecosystem and look forward to continued innovation for public safety.”
To learn more about Panasonic’s solutions for first responders, visit na.panasonic.com/us/public-safety. For more information about FirstNet, go to FirstNet.com. To learn more about the AT&T Alliance Channel, go to alliance.att.com.
