Sonim XP7 Handsets used on Band Class 14 Network in Series of Simulated Emergency Drills
The State of Ohio, in conjunction with Greene County, constructed a three-site, fully functional public safety LTE network as part of a week-long training exercise for the first responders of Beavercreek Township, Ohio.
To support the exercise, Sonim Technologies, maker of the world's toughest mobile phones, was chosen to provide 10 Band Class 14-ready XP7 smartphones. Sonim is the first and only Tier One smartphone manufacturer to release a commercially available smartphone platform that enables first responders to get broadband access on both the FirstNet Band Class 14 spectrum and on commercial mobile networks.
"This was a first-of-its-kind event here in Ohio," said OhioFirst.Net Program Manager Kelly Castle. "It was important to test a new generation of LTE communications devices that were purpose-built to meet the exacting specifications of public safety professionals. With an ability to stream video, push data, and augment communications over existing LMR networks, Sonim's handsets allowed our first responders to harness the power of FirstNet's LTE network."
Public safety professionals from Beavercreek Township conducted a battery of simulated emergency drills that tested FirstNet's new Band Class 14 network. The Beavercreek Fire Department recreated five emergency scenarios including a hazmat spill, missing police officer and a missing person. The drills required a mobile device that could withstand extreme work conditions ranging from searches taking place in the woods to exposure to hazardous materials.
"We were pleasantly surprised by the beating the XP7's took during these drills," said Beavercreek Township Fire Department Battalion Chief Nathan Hiester.
"The XP7 survived drops on hard surfaces, wet conditions and a number of complex situations that required a reliable communications platform. When lives are at stake, we have to act fast," said Hiester. "Fire fighters need to focus on the task at hand and not have to worry if their communications device is working. The XP7 passed the test with flying colors and we were especially impressed by the extended battery life."
The XP7's key strengths include its 4,820-milliamp battery, 40 hours of LTE-based talk time, extreme durability in hot, dusty and wet environments, visibility under direct sunlight and support for a wide range of Android applications.