Panasonic and cloud-based network solutions provider Cradlepoint announced the commercial availability of an integrated mobile computing and connectivity networking solution. Designed for public safety and EMS agencies as well as transportation and utilities industries, the mobile computing and connectivity solution supports both commercial 4G-LTE and the emerging FirstNet public safety networks based on Band-14.

The easy to deploy and cost effective solution delivers highly-secure, enhanced LTE connectivity for multiple devices — significantly improving productivity, reducing downtime, and enhancing the security of in-vehicle networks.

With more than 20 years of wireless design and development experience, Panasonic understands that reliable connectivity and anywhere, anytime access to data provides tremendous value, and competitive advantage to its customers. In addition to reliable connectivity, Panasonic’s Toughbook® computers deliver the durability, reliability, and performance needed to keep pace with the ever-changing demands of today’s mobile workplace from public safety officers responding to disasters to utility workers braving the elements to get the power back on after a storm.

This new solution combines Panasonic’s reliable Toughbook devices with a rugged Cradlepoint cloud-managed 4G-LTE router providing a “vehicle area network” to connect computers, cameras, sensors, and telemetry interfaces together with access to commercial and emerging FirstNet broadband wireless networks.

The first wave of field automation for many police and fire departments and other public safely organizations has been the deployment of cellular-connected ruggedized laptops and tablets for real-time access to critical applications and information.

Now, a new wave of technologies and services are emerging to address the unique demands and challenges faced by today’s first responders. They include an array of connected devices, such as body-worn and dash cameras, evidence collection devices, and FirstNet wireless broadband networks based on dedicated Band-14 spectrum. This new wave has created the need for scalable, secure and reliable vehicle-based networks to tie these components together and to connect to private and public clouds and other public safety organizations over 4G-LTE.