Oceus Networks, announced it will use its fourth generation (4G) Long Term Evolution (LTE) aerial telecommunication architecture to launch a broadband trial this September that demonstrate capabilities of providing immediate communications to disaster areas. This effort supports the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) consideration of the role of High Altitude Platforms in the national public safety network.
The trial will consists of using a balloon carrying Networks’ 4G LTE Xiphos(TM) through near-space altitudes to the operation site where first responders on the ground can access the terrestrial network using LTE modems to the High Altitude Platform via the large footprint from the airborne cell and a microwave link.
“With this network, following major natural disasters or terrorist attacks, first responders can be provided the urgent communications capabilities they have wanted, but lacked,” said Oceus Networks CEO Douglas C. Smith. “We are proud to be working with the FCC and other companies to support our public safety community in this manner. We applaud the Commission for exploring the role of High Altitude Platforms in the Notice of Inquiry that the FCC approved today.”
Oceus based the rapidly deployable mobile network on Xiphos, the first-to-market proven portable 4G LTE broadband networks to provide secure high-speed communications. The network joins with an airborne platform to create a coverage zone that restores critical communications in the first hours after a catastrophic event.
This solution will work within the First Responder Network Authority’s (FRNA) First NET architecture, an independent authority that guarantees the establishment of a nationwide, interoperable public safety broadband network. FRNA was established Feb 22 within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
