RESTON, Va., Jan. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Connected emergency vehicles. The Internet of Lifesaving Things. Apps for first responders. The First Responder Network Authority will present the first public-safety-focused technology conference track, "Transforming the Future of Public Safety Communications," at CES 2018 in Las Vegas on January 11. The track will explore how smart cities technology will impact public safety through the use of sensor networks, data and technology tools.

FirstNet, the nationwide public safety broadband network, will provide a highly secure wireless broadband platform that will help first responders and other public safety personnel save lives and protect communities across all 50 states, U.S territories and the District of Columbia. The network is a public-private partnership between the First Responder Network Authority and AT&T.

"We are excited to host these important conversations at CES 2018. Our vision for FirstNet is that it provides much more than a network connection; we will make it the premier technology platform for public safety," said First Responder Network Authority CEO Mike Poth. "This is why it is essential that we build partnerships and work alongside industry to bring the best tools and technology to our nation's first responders."

Through FirstNet services, first responders coast-to-coast now have access to the specialized features and functions developed for their mission needs. In 2018, the expansion of the network's footprint will begin to add enhanced coverage and increased capacity where public safety needs it the most.

FirstNet will not only help to address today's communications challenges for first responders, but it will create a new, public safety-focused marketplace that offers innovative, lifesaving technologies. The network provides the public safety community a new meaningful choice and an entire ecosystem of devices and apps to help them do their jobs safely and more effectively.

Panelists will join representatives from the First Responder Network Authority to discuss these topics and emerging trends in technology. These panels include:

Paving the Way for Connected Emergency Vehicles, Jan. 11 10-10:45 am PST
Tech East, Westgate, Level 1, Pavilion 9
Emergency vehicles connected with FirstNet broadband technology become a hub for mobile responders to download and upload critical information and work remotely from their vehicle when responding to emergencies. Panelists will also discuss integrating connected vehicles with smart cities technology to provide for a faster, safer response for the public as well as first responders.

FirstNet's Applications Ecosystem, Jan. 11 10:45-11:15 am PST
Tech East, Westgate, Level 1, Pavilion 9
Whether checking wind and weather, using mapping technology, looking to sophisticated medical apps or accessing portals into national law-enforcement systems, first responders rely on apps to do their work. Panelists will discuss how FirstNet's developer portal and program will foster continuous innovation for first responders – putting lifesaving technologies at their fingertips.

The Internet of Life Saving Things (IoLST), Jan. 11 11:30 am-12:15 pm PST
Tech East, Westgate, level 1, Pavilion 9
How smart, connected technology is enabling a smarter and more connected emergency response. Panelists will discuss the benefits of allowing responders access to lifesaving data from smart building technology like security systems and occupancy sensors, which can save valuable seconds – and lives – in emergencies.

In addition to the CES 2018 conference track, FirstNet CEO Mike Poth will provide a keynote address at the CES Government conference on January 12. For more information visit www.cesgovernment.com/

In an effort to further network innovation that will benefit public safety, the FirstNet Innovation and Test Lab was opened in Boulder, CO, and serves as the First Responder Network Authority's technical headquarters. The FirstNet Lab is a state-of-the-art facility in which the First Responder Network Authority and AT&T will test public safety functionality and features unique to the FirstNet mission-critical broadband network, including quality of service; priority; pre-emption; and other mission-critical services and applications.

For more information on FirstNet, please go to FirstNet.gov/mediakit and att.com/FirstResponderNews. For more about the value FirstNet will bring to public safety, please go to FirstNet.com.

About the First Responder Network Authority
The First Responder Network Authority is an independent authority within the U.S. Department of Commerce. Established in 2012, its mission is to ensure the building, deployment, and operation of the nationwide, broadband network that equips first responders and other public safety personnel to save lives and protect U.S. communities. Learn more at FirstNet.gov/mediakit and follow @FirstNetGov on Facebook and Twitter for updates.

SOURCE FirstNet