Voice-over-IMS and advanced presence capabilities showcased for application by first responders using FirstNet LTE mobile broadband network
Paris, March 12, 2013 – Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) has carried out a key demonstration of its Voice-over-IMS and RCS presence technology to the Board of FirstNet (the First Responder Network Authority), an important step in the adoption of industry standards-based Public Safety LTE in broadband voice and data communications for emergency services.
The demonstration, conducted at the Boulder, Colorado laboratories of the US Department of Commerce as part of the federal Public Safety Communications Research program, set out to showcase the application of Voice-over-IMS (Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem). This open standards-based solution can provide VoLTE (Voice over LTE) on the FirstNet network once Band 14 LTE devices with a VoLTE client become available to first responders.
Voice support on the FirstNet network will help reduce costs by providing first responders with the option to use a single device for both data and non-mission critical voice communications. It will also extend interoperability beyond data to voice communications, such as when emergency services personnel start ‘roaming’ on the nationwide FirstNet network during incidents such as disaster recovery operations. Today voice interoperability is a significant barrier to multi-agency collaboration since it is not feasible with current, separate agency-owned LMR (Land Mobile Radio) networks. Future Band 14 device support of additional voice features such as push-to-talk is required for mission-critical applications.
In addition, Alcatel-Lucent also demonstrated the interoperability of its technology within the RCS (Rich Communication Suite) initiative, the effort by the GSMA, the global mobile manufacturers association, to provide open, standards-based solutions from multiple vendors. RCS leverages the interoperability and ubiquity of voice and text-based SMS communications, and enriches it with Internet type features.
In its demonstration to the FirstNet board, Alcatel-Lucent demonstrated its presence capabilities, providing a foundation for how multiple agencies such as police and fire can deploy fully interoperable technologies. RCS provides a standards-based, presence-enabled, voice and messaging solution, allowing a first responder the freedom to roam across the entire FirstNet network without losing connectivity and therefore critical communications.
Wim Brouwer, North America Public Safety CTOof Alcatel-Lucent said: “This first demonstration of IMS and RCS for public safety provides a clear path to an interoperable Voice-over-LTE support on the FirstNet network as VoLTE clients become available on Band 14 devices. The enhanced voice interoperability and option to reduce cost by using one device for data and non mission-critical voice is important to help public safety agencies maximize their benefits of mobile broadband with FirstNet.”
About Alcatel-Lucent’s solution for VoIMS and presence demonstration
This demonstration used the widely deployed industry standards-based Alcatel-Lucent 5450 IP Session Controller, 8650 Subscriber Data Manager, 5420 Converged Telephony Server, 5410 Presence Server/XML Document Management Server, and 5430 Multimedia Instant Messaging. In addition, the Alcatel-Lucent 700 MHz Band 14 LTE network solution was utilized.
Alcatel-Lucent will continue to embrace standards, not only for LTE but also for applications like voice and presence. We are uniquely positioned to be the committed partner of choice for interoperable LTE Band 14 solutions.
Alcatel-Lucent and Public Safety
Alcatel-Lucent solutions are expanding mobile broadband to first responders while moving backhaul and site-to-site communications to a converged network that enables true multi-agency interoperability with enhanced safety and efficiency. As a market leader in LTE, Alcatel-Lucent offers a comprehensive end-to-end wireless broadband solution for public safety incorporating Bells Labs innovations that include lightRadioTM and innovative applications with the ng Connect Program to help reshape the future of public safety communications. With solutions running in mission-critical Public Safety networks around the world, Alcatel-Lucent’s deep expertise is supporting public safety agencies in every step of their transformation. Learn more about our Dynamic Communications for Public Safety> http://www2.alcatel-lucent.com/public-safety/
About Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU)
The long-trusted partner of service providers, enterprises and governments around the world, Alcatel-Lucent is a leading innovator in the field of networking and communications technology, products and services. The company is home to Bell Labs, one of the world’s foremost research centers, responsible for breakthroughs that have shaped the networking and communications industry
Alcatel-Lucent innovations are regularly recognized by international institutions for their positive impact on society. In 2012 and for the second year running, Alcatel-Lucent was named one of the Thomson Reuters Top 100 Global Innovators, recognition for the company’s continued addition to its world-class patent portfolio, one of the largest in the telecom industry. Alcatel-Lucent has also been recognized for its sustainability performance. In 2012 the company was ranked Technology Supersector Leader by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. Through its innovations, Alcatel-Lucent is making communications more sustainable, more affordable and more accessible as we pursue our mission of Realizing the Potential of a Connected World
With operations throughout the world, Alcatel-Lucent is a local partner with global reach. The Company achieved revenues of Euro 14.4 billion in 2012 and is incorporated in France and headquartered in Paris
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