In order to be able to perform their work efficiently, first responders need access to high-speed, uninterrupted connectivity. What’s better for this purpose, then, than a dedicated 5G network slice for first responders? That is exactly what Verizon is providing.
Verizon has just announced the availability of their Verizon Frontline Network Slice, a specialized virtual network segment operating on its 5G Ultra Wideband (UW) infrastructure, designed exclusively for public safety personnel. This service is now active in select metropolitan areas across the United States.
If you’re not aware of what Verizon means with the word “slice”, it’s basically dedicating a specific portion of Verizon’s 5G UW network resources solely for first responders. By doing this, the point is to guarantee network availability, provide priority access, and enhance the quality of service for public safety communications. It also allows for improved reliability, particularly during large-scale emergencies or events that cause high congestion on commercial network bands.
According to Verizon, the Frontline Network Slice is designed to be scalable, allowing network resource allocation to be adjusted in real-time based on the operational needs of first responders during incidents. Verizon states that eligible public safety agencies can access plans featuring this dedicated network slice at the same price point as current commercial 5G UW plans.
The service is initially available in the following markets: Charlotte, N.C.; Phoenix; Los Angeles; San Francisco; San Diego; Atlanta; Chicago; Minneapolis; Salt Lake City; Seattle; Cupertino, Calif.; Denver; Miami; Portland, Ore.; Omaha, Neb.; Las Vegas; Huntsville, Ala.; Milwaukee; Kansas City, Mo.; Albuquerque, N.M.; Indianapolis; Augusta, Ga.; Fresno, Calif.; Tampa, Fla.; Des Moines, Iowa; Ann Arbor, Mich.; Detroit; St. Louis; and Raleigh, N.C.
You might be familiar with the concept of a network slice for first responders. That’s because T-Mobile did it back in September, and made such a big deal about it that AT&T felt the need to respond. So how does it compare?
Well, T-Mobile’s network slice is nationwide thanks to the use of all of their 5G bands, not just their millimeter-wave frequencies. This means their T-Priority network slice isn’t limited to just areas with that deployed. Verizon, meanwhile, appears to only be deploying the network slice on their “Ultra-Wideband” millimeter-wave spectrum, which limits them to areas with that deployed.
That being said, deploying to the major city centers is going to provide coverage to a majority of first responders. Whether or not Verizon’s network slice is better or worse than T-Mobile’s is yet to be determined.
