Introducing the first FirstNet Cell Booster at Solid Signal!

How often does modern technology actually keep you safe? Sure, your phone does some wonderful things but is it making the world a better place? Some cell phones really do make a difference, and this article is for the folks with those phones.

What is FirstNet?

FirstNet is a cellular network just for first responders. Back in 2017, AT&T got the contract to build a cellular network that could be used just for emergency contacts. The idea was simple and it came from over 15 years of real-world experience from our police, firefighters, and medical professionals.

For decades, each service had its own frequency in its own city. Police in one city couldn’t talk to police in another city using walkie-talkies, and they couldn’t talk to firefighters in their own cities. This was all done on purpose to keep channels open. But, in the 21st century, we all learned how important communication between first responders is. Smart first responders, especially those in small town America, started talking to each other over cell phones and sharing information.

This was a smart move, except that during a crisis cell phones can get clogged up and that critical information can get lost. Everyone wants to know what’s going on and police resorted to driving up and down neighborhoods telling people to stay off their cells so the first responders could do their work. That’s no way to help the public, right?

FirstNet was created as a special network that could be closed off to the public in the case of an emergency. The system is growing every day and is now capable of 500,000 connections. It’s not done either. It’s becoming a critical part of how the most important people in our community protect us.

Mo’ technology, mo’ problems

Of course, the problems with FirstNet started quickly. While users out in the field had strong signal, those back home at base often couldn’t get a strong signal. Police and Fire stations aren’t built with good cell service in mind. There wasn’t a solution… until now.

Now there’s Guardian4

The Guardian4 from SureCall is Solid Signal’s first booster for FirstNet. It’s designed to complement other cell boosters that may already be in place and only amplifies first responder frequencies. This includes the FirstNet network.

The Guardian4 installs like any other professional cell booster. It connects to power and to indoor and outdoor antennas. It also has the ability to connect to your network so it can be monitored remotely. This is a plus for overtaxed facilities managers.

With a strong 80dB of boost, this booster could potentially cover an area of 8,000 square feet or more depending on how it’s implemented. You have the option of using multiple indoor antennas. Your Solid Signal rep can help you figure out how to create the perfect system for you, depending on your needs.

Who needs Guardian4?

I could imagine this being really important in police stations, where officers spend time filling out reports. I can see it being important in fire stations which definitely aren’t built around the idea of good cell service. You would think places like this would have good communication but communication can be tough everywhere.

If you’re anywhere that first responders go, put in a Guardian4 as well as a professional cellular booster system from Solid Signal. If you’re looking for the best advice on what to get, plus help determining your installation plan, fill out the form below or call us at 888-233-7563.

About the Author

Stuart Sweet
Stuart Sweet is the editor-in-chief of The Solid Signal Blog and a "master plumber" at Signal Group, LLC. He is the author of over 10,000 articles and longform tutorials including many posted here. Reach him by clicking on "Contact the Editor" at the bottom of this page.