17/08/2022 Etherstack Inter-Working Function (IWF) identified as key technology in AT&T FirstNet PTT service

Speaking at the APCO 2022 show in Anaheim, CA, last week, AT&T product management specialist for FirstNet LTE mission-critical services, Robert Fowler, identified the Etherstack-Samsung IWF technology as a key component of the FirstNET PTT services.

The IWF technology supplied by Etherstack enables otherwise independent communications systems, such as legacy P25 networks widely used by first responders in North America, to interoperate with newly emerging mission-critical networks based on LTE technology, such as the AT&T FirstNet system.

The Etherstack IWF technology has wide applicability and can enable similar levels of interworking based on other common communications technologies, popular in other geographical territories, such as TETRA which is widely used in Europe today.

Etherstack CEO, David Deacon, commented “Clients today understand the importance that push-to-talk (PTT) systems bring to first responders and emergency services personnel. As the industry transitions to LTE networks from legacy LMR systems, PTT will continue to be core functionality needed by mission-critical users. Etherstack is proud to be a key technology provider with Samsung to the AT&T FirstNet network enabling baked-in PTT services through the Etherstack Inter-Working Function (IWF) technology to FirstNET users [as opposed to over-the-top (OTT) services].”

The full article, including source quotes from AT&T’s Fowler, can be found on IWCE’s Urgent Communications website.