Charlotte (NC) Launches Revamped Public Safety Communications Network

It took five years and a significant change in plans, but first responders in Charlotte (NC) finally have a fourth-generation broadband network at their disposal. The new high-end wireless network runs off of commercially available 4G provided by Verizon that was formally introduced late in May.

The original project -- where Charlotte would own and operate its own private LTE network -- kicked-off in 2010, but fell through in 2013. The new 4G network cost approximately $11.2 million overall, with Charlotte putting in about $2.4 million. The project's main benefits include enabling fire and police agencies to share data with units in the field at a much more secure and faster rate. It also gives responders the ability to use several high-end applications, such as GIS mapping systems and crime analytics programs, which were previously problematic on slower speeds.