The First Responder Network Authority has opened a test laboratory in Boulder, Colorado as part of FirstNet’s preparation for the implementation of a national emergency services network.
The FirstNet Innovation and Test Lab will serve as a hub for the agency and its contractor to test public safety features, devices and applications prior to deployment on the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network, FirstNet said Wednesday.
The agency issued a request for proposals on the project in January.
“When first responders are racing to help in disasters and emergencies, they need communications tools that are tested and proven to work,” said Jeff Bratcher, FirstNet chief technology officer.
FirstNet will use the lab to validate testing for the network, services and features as well as to facilitate future broadband-related research and development efforts.
The lab is built to support a training and experience center that will be established to help provide hands-on training, demonstration and user evaluation of future FirstNet network applications.
