As Kathryn Coulter Mitchell, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Under Secretary for Science and Technology recently noted that “it is vital that we develop and implement the most advanced interoperable communications technologies so our emergency responders can do their jobs effectively, protect the public, and remain safe themselves.”
Device Solutions is excited to announce that we have been awarded +$980k through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program to develop a next-generation digital paging system for public safety.
This project centers on building a standards-based, one-way digital paging solution using the ATSC 3.0 broadcast standard—also known as NEXTGEN TV. For years, first responders have relied on analog VHF paging systems, which are increasingly limited in speed, coverage, and capacity. Our mission is to deliver a modern, reliable, and scalable alternative that enhances how emergency messages are sent and received.
We’re honored to support DHS’s Science and Technology Directorate in its effort to strengthen emergency communications. Having spent almost two decades helping companies bring wireless and IoT products to life, this opportunity allows us to apply that experience to a critical national need—supporting the people who put themselves on the line every day. With ATSC 3.0, we can offer faster dispatching, broader coverage, and improved situational awareness, all while using an existing broadcast infrastructure to maximize cost-effectiveness and resilience.
As DHS Program Manager Norman Speicher put it, “Developing an interoperable paging solution that has increased bandwidth, speed, and coverage will allow EMS personnel to more effectively communicate and respond to daily and urgent disaster and emergency situations.”
We’re proud to be part of this important work—and we look forward to delivering a solution that helps save time, saves resources, and ultimately, helps save lives.
Want to read more about our award? Check out these articles from The Broadcast Standards Coalition and Homeland Preparedness News.