In our everyday lives, we heavily rely on connectivity, and for emergency responders, it’s no different. Emergencies can strike anywhere at any time, including in areas where coverage is poor or where public networks are prone to becoming overloaded. This challenge is exacerbated for remote teams and vehicles that frequently move through areas with varying network availability. Poor connectivity can significantly hinder response efforts, making it crucial to have robust and reliable communication technologies.
In this blog, we share the tools our customers are using to stay connected across a wide range of deployments.
Unsteered roaming SIMs: One of the simplest yet highly effective tools in maintaining connectivity for emergency responders is the unsteered roaming SIM. Unlike regular SIM cards that are tied to a specific network provider, Excelerate’s 4G Extra unsteered roaming SIMs automatically connect to the best possible network at any given location. This capability is vital for teams operating in rural or disaster-stricken areas where single network coverage may be insufficient.
Portable Wi-Fi hotspots: Another critical tool gaining popularity among emergency responders is our Linx Hub portable Wi-Fi hotspot. The device provides wireless internet access by connecting to cellular networks and creating a local Wi-Fi network that over 30 authorised users can join. Linx Hub is compact, easy to deploy, and can enables responders to access vital information and coordinate activities efficiently.
High-gain cellular antennas: Cellular antennas play a crucial role in enhancing connectivity for emergency responders and the Excell 4G/LTE optimisation antenna is no exception. By establishing a strong and stable connection, Excell ensures that responders maintain high quality and reliable communication even in high-signal loss areas.
Hybrid routers and appliances: For teams that require more bandwidth and stable connections, our Hybrid Edge Appliance offer a significant advantage. Hybrid Edge bonds multiple cellular and satellite connections from different providers into a single, more robust internet connection. This not only improves reliability but also provides higher data transfer rates, which is essential for transmitting large files, live video feeds, and other data-intensive tasks.
Portable LTE systems: In situations where cellular infrastructure is non-existent portable LTE systems really come into their own. Our portable LTE comms pod can establish a high-quality network, providing voice, text, and data services to responders over a vast area. This rapid deployment capability ensures that communication lines can be setup quickly, facilitating better coordination and faster response times. The system can also connect to a portable satellite to communicate back to the outside world.
Satellite terminals: When terrestrial networks are unavailable or unreliable, satellite terminals provide a lifeline. These devices can connect to satellites to provide internet and communication services virtually anywhere on the planet. New advancements in technology have led to more portable and cost-effective solutions, making them a viable option for emergency teams operating in the most remote locations.
Ensuring reliable connectivity in any environment
The range of connectivity tools available today—from the unsteered roaming SIM to advanced satellite terminals—provides emergency responders with the flexibility and reliability they need to effectively manage their operations. By leveraging these technologies, responders can ensure that they remain connected, and capable of delivering critical services, no matter where they are.
