2026 Agenda
From Dead Zones to Disaster Zones: The Future of First Responder Connectivity
Christopher Ortiz (Sr Solutions Engineer, T-Mobile)
Casey Muilenburg (Sr. Solutions Engineer, T-Mobile)
Location: Critical Comms Spotlight Theater - Booth 2363
Date: Thursday, March 19
Time: 1:20 pm - 1:40 pm
Track:
First Responders,
Government
Topics:
Broadband, In-building connectivity, LMR & PTT, Network Infrastructure, Regulation & Standards, Satellite, Situational Awareness
Format:
Expo Theater
Vault Recording: TBD
As emergency management agencies prepare for increasingly severe disasters, traditional terrestrial communications alone are no longer enough. This session explores how satellite-to-cell technology is reshaping public safety communications strategy, adding a new layer of resiliency when infrastructure fails. Learn how agencies can integrate LMR, situational awareness applications, and emerging direct-to-cell capabilities into a unified, disaster-ready communications architecture.
Takeaway
- Build a Resilient, Layered Communications Strategy Understand how to integrate satellite-to-cell, LMR, and broadband into a unified architecture that maintains connectivity when terrestrial infrastructure fails.
- Operationalize Direct-to-Cell for Disaster Response Learn practical use cases for emerging satellite-to-cell capabilities and how agencies can incorporate them into continuity and emergency response plans today.
- Strengthen Situational Awareness When It Matters Most Discover how combining connectivity layers with real-time applications enhances command visibility, coordination, and responder safety during large-scale incidents.