Nokia has formed an alliance with other mobile operators, public authorities and first responders to standardise the use of LTE for public safety.
Among the carriers who have joined the Mission Critical Communications Alliance are Vodafone Hutchison Australia and Japan's Mobile Radio Centre.
The alliance will devise a platform to give information and guide policymakers on the benefits of LTE-based public safety solutions to provide robust communications services.
Using 4G LTE means first responders can employ real-time high-definition video streaming, remote data access and location-based services to aid public safety.
{loadposition sam08}Many countries are upgrading to LTE technology. Nokia and South Korea's SK Telecom have shown what Ultra Compact Network, a portable small cell based LTE network that can provide 4G connectivity for public safety and other mission- and business-critical services in remote locations, can do.
A media release quoted Ashish Chowdhary, chief customer operations officer at Nokia, as saying: "Having worked with the various governments in the public safety field for over 60 years, we are happy to facilitate a broad group of stakeholders in the global public safety community to drive the adoption of LTE in critical communications.
"The Mission Critical Communications Alliance will work towards realising the unique benefits of LTE in public safety, enabling national, regional and local authorities to provide a higher level of safety and security for their citizens, while creating innovative new business models for service providers.
"We look forward to welcoming other members to the Alliance who are committed to using 4G technology to enhance the effectiveness of mission-critical services."
Nokia has helped to raise the the profile of LTE as a public safety solution and was a strong advocate in discussions that led to the Productivity Commission investigation into Public Safety Mobile Broadband.