Government acquires 74 mobile communication systems for disaster response

By THE STAR STAFF

Governor Jenniffer González Colón and the Secretary of the Department of Public Safety (DSP), Arturo Garffer, announced the acquisition of 74 systems FirstNet miniCRD (Compact Rapid Deployables) to strengthen public safety communications during emergencies and disasters in Puerto Rico.

The initiative represents an investment of $3.0 million and seeks to guarantee the continuity of communications when the traditional telecommunications infrastructure is affected by hurricanes, earthquakes, blackouts or other emergencies.

The devices function as autonomous mobile cell towers capable of restoring communications in minutes through integrated satellite connectivity and access to the FirstNet national network, developed with AT&T. This allows communication between response agencies to continue even when commercial networks or the power grid fail.

According to the DSP, the new technology will strengthen the coordination of public safety operations, emergency management, search and rescue, as well as the continuity of government services and citizen services.

“The governor has been clear that we must continue strengthening all of the Puerto Rico government’s response capabilities. With the acquisition of these systems, we are expanding our ability to maintain critical communications even in scenarios where commercial networks, the internet, or the electrical system fail,” Garffer said.

The devices can be used in rural or hard-to-reach communities, areas vulnerable to communication disruptions, and municipalities such as Vieques and Culebra, as well as supporting search and rescue operations.

The portable design allows the miniCRDs to be transported by road or helicopter and activated quickly, reducing the time needed to restore communications in affected areas.

For his part, Scott Agnew, president of FirstNet, Built with AT&T, indicated that the technology was designed to support first responders during critical situations and strengthen the operational resilience of security agencies.

With this acquisition, Puerto Rico joins other U.S. jurisdictions that use deployable connectivity systems to maintain communications during natural disasters and large-scale emergencies.