Band 14 was established after events like 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and the Boston Bombing made it clear that cellular networks were not reliable for critical communications from dispatchers and first responders. In 2012, US Congress passed the Spectrum Act, allocating Band 14 about $7 billion in initial funds, to ensure coverage for emergency communications. In technical terms, Band 14 is the LTE Radio frequency known as Band 14 is in a 20 MHz band (two 10 MHz blocks) of the radio spectrum, between 758 MHz to 758 MHz to 768 and 788 MHz to 978 MHz.
What is FirstNet?
FirstNet is a network that was developed collaboratively by the First Responder Authority Network and AT&T to bridge communications gaps during public emergencies. While FirstNet and Band 14 are closely related, FirstNet is owned by the First Responder Authority Network, whereas Band 14 is maintained through public and private collaboration, with most of the funding coming from AT&T.
Who uses Band 14 and FirstNet?
The high-speed wireless network FirstNet uses AT&T’s infrastructure to provide first responders and public safety officials priority access with the ability to preemptively communicate during an emergency, disaster, or other critical public events.
Band 14 is only available to first responders on FirstNet and compatible equipment to access the network. There are many specialized devices that are capable of accessing Band 14 including, but not limited to, cell phones, tablets, and specialized devices.
What makes Band 14 or FirstNet different from other networks?
These networks employ an HPUE solution that significantly boosts signal strength, allowing first responders to operate further away from wireless towers. Unlike most networks, these can reach over 99% of Americans, including those in rural areas and remote areas.
Our Band 14-capable solutions
IDScan.net provides our customers the ability to use our VeriScan software on Band 14 with the Zebra TC26 handheld touch computer. Reach out to one of our identity experts if you need mobile ID scanning with Band 14 capabilities.
