Oceus Networks Inc. announced today that it has successfully demonstrated the efficacy of a deployable 4G LTE solution on a high-altitude balloon platform. The LTE solution can be used to rapidly provide broadband coverage and communications services to first responders within the first 72 hours following an emergency or natural disaster.
The exercise was recently conducted near Boulder, Colo., launching an airborne 4G LTE cellular network that allowed engineers to collect data and characterize the performance of a high altitude 4G LTE public safety system. The experiment supports the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Deployable Aerial Communications Architecture (DACA) initiative, which is exploring the role of High Altitude Platforms in the national public safety network.
“This successful demonstration underscores the role of 4G LTE in a rapidly deployable aerial communications architecture, particularly during the first crucial hours after disaster strikes, when deployable broadband technologies are critical,” said Douglas C. Smith, CEO officer of Oceus Networks. “We look forward to continuing our work with federal policymakers and first responders on deployable solutions for extending the reach of the national public safety network, FirstNet.”
Oceus Networks partnered with Space Data to deliver an innovative platform for public safety communications restoration in the event of large scale commercial outages after major natural disasters or terrorist attacks. Combining Space Data’s high-altitude balloon expertise in system design, payload integration and flight operations and Oceus Networks’ military-grade deployable LTE solutions, Xiphos, allowed technical performance measurements to be made that demonstrate the potential for this 4G LTE solution in a disaster scenario.
The test was conducted in coordination with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the Public Safety Communications Research (PSCR) program.
Oceus Networks is compiling the results of this test and will formally file a report with the FCC in its DACA docket.
