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Panasonic Toughbook Hits the Road to Prepare for FirstNet

By Ken Briodagh

The Panasonic Toughbook Truck recently began its journey to support first responders’ transition to FirstNet, the nationwide public safety communications platform. The 40-foot Toughbook Truck is designed and outfitted to offer an educational, immersive mobile experience across the U.S. in partnership with AT&T and Sierra Wireless.

In each city the Toughbook Truck visits, the public safety community will be able to explore how Toughbook computers, services and support could complement the FirstNet mission. According to the press release, Panasonic’s goal is to educate, equip and empower the beneficiaries of the FirstNet network – primary users such as law enforcement, fire fighters and EMS as well as extended primary users such as healthcare, transportation and utilities workers – with the right information, tools and technology to ensure a seamless implementation of the FirstNet service.

“Panasonic is working closely with customers ready to make the transition to FirstNet,” said Mary Beth Hall, Director, Wireless Strategy, Marketing, Panasonic System Solutions of North America. “FirstNet is designed to ensure that vital communications get through during mission critical moments. This shares a common spirit with Toughbook, designed to get the job done when unexpected challenges arise.”

With FirstNet here, Panasonic is further supporting the first responder community as they map out their wireless strategy for FirstNet adoption. In addition, as an authorized FirstNet dealer Panasonic can perform FirstNet service activations, helping agencies seamlessly make the transition to FirstNet service with industry leading rugged devices and FirstNet rate plans.

“Supporting the first responder community with information and education to ease their transition onto FirstNet is a critical step toward adoption,” said Scott Agnew, AVP, FirstNet Program, AT&T. “Understanding the FirstNet landscape and the hardware technology that will support them – both today and in the future – enables first responders to focus on their mission of protecting communities.”

“Delivering innovative communications solutions like our AirPrime® EM7511 LTE-Advanced Pro embedded module to support first responders is a top priority for Sierra Wireless,” said Dan Schieler, SVP and GM, OEM Solutions, Sierra Wireless. “In mission critical situations, first responders need reliable communication to ensure public safety, and we are proud to partner with AT&T and Panasonic to upgrade public safety agencies’ technology capabilities and ensure seamless connectivity when it matters most.”

“FirstNet is public safety’s dedicated communication platform with a strong and growing marketplace of devices and applications designed for their lifesaving mission,” said Jeff Bratcher, CTO and Operations Officer, FirstNet Authority. “First responder’s needs are unique and we’re pleased to see industry partners rising to the challenge to help them serve their communities.”


Ken Briodagh is a writer and editor with more than a decade of experience under his belt. He is in love with technology and if he had his druthers would beta test everything from shoe phones to flying cars.

Edited by Ken Briodagh
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