DMP Releases FirstNet-Approved DualCom Alarm Communicator

FirstNet can be used by premises alarm units at government facilities, as well as businesses and homes to communicate alarm information through the network.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Digital Monitoring Products (DMP) has released its DualCom Universal Alarm Communicator that is approved for the FirstNet communications platform and suitable for upgrading customers’ 3G communicators to LTE.

FirstNet is built through a public-private partnership between AT&T and the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority). It is the only nationwide, high-speed broadband communications platform that is dedicated to and purpose-built specifically for America’s first responders and the extended public safety community.

Alarm companies have already been able to use the FirstNet network to transmit alarm signals using DMP’s XR Series and XT Series control panels. The DualCom communicator provides additional options to leverage the network.

Not only does the DualCom make it easy to upgrade old systems to LTE, but as phone lines drop out the solution provides a way to connect to older panels with dialer communicators only. Alarm companies can also give their customers the smart home features they want with automated actions, cameras and video doorbell, all from the Virtual Keypad app, according to the company.

The DualCom is said to provide commercial fire communication with easy installations. It is engineered with dual tip and ring terminals, working with existing FACPs. For fire and all security alarm communication, FirstNet delivers the latest communication tools to help when moments matter most, according to the announcement.

What are the key benefits of using FirstNet?

Using FirstNet for the transmission of public safety related alarms gives the advantage of Band 14 — the nationwide, high-quality spectrum set aside by the federal government specifically for FirstNet.

According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the location of the 700 MHz Band gives it excellent propagation characteristics. This allows the 700 MHz signals to penetrate buildings and walls more easily and to cover larger geographic areas with less infrastructure (relative to frequencies in higher bands).

Is FirstNet limited to certain types of user accounts?

FirstNet can be used by premises alarm units at government facilities, as well as businesses and homes to communicate alarm information through the network. Typical signals would be burglar alarm, fire alarm, medical alarm signals and other related signals.

Who is eligible?

The transmission of public safety related alarms via FirstNet Ready alarm panels qualifies for FirstNet extended primary service. To offer such panels with FirstNet service, an alarm company must first qualify for, and obtain, a Certificate of Verification from The Monitoring Association (TMA) and enter into a FirstNet Agreement with AT&T.

TMA certification ensures that the alarm panels transmit public safety-related alarms to a Central Monitoring Station that verifies the authenticity of the alarm before notifying a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) for relay to a public safety agency.

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