Rescue 42, in collaboration with AT&T, announced the launch of the miniCRD™ for FirstNet®, a miniature Compact Rapid Deployable (CRD) system delivering FirstNet connectivity when and where it’s needed.

Comprised of 2 ultra-portable ruggedized cases that are each about the size of checked luggage, the miniCRD can be deployed by a single person within a matter of minutes, has a FirstNet LTE range of up to ½ mile – and up to 1 mile with FirstNet MegaRange™ – and links to FirstNet via satellite. 80% smaller and half the price of the CRD for FirstNet, the innovative system can be hand-carried or transported by a single person in a vehicle, by air or over water, to anywhere communications are needed.

With this on-the-go coverage, public safety can have dedicated Band 14 connectivity when and where they need it, even in the most remote environments. The new Flat High-Performance Starlink® satellite terminal as part of the miniCRD provides high-speed, prioritized satellite backhaul, with speeds up to 220Mbps and <99ms latency, supporting Cellular and Internet connectivity almost anywhere.

“Our team is thrilled to deliver the new miniCRD for FirstNet, an innovative solution for FirstNet critical communications users,” said Tim O’Connell, CEO of Rescue 42. “The miniCRD provides another option for communication redundancy in remote locations or during outages, with an even more compact solution than the existing CRD. Our primary mission will always be the safety of First Responders, and we plan to continue developing innovative solutions to further this goal.”

Rescue 42 also manufactures the larger, more powerful CRD for FirstNet. The CRD can generate a larger area of FirstNet Cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, virtually anytime and anywhere. Agency-owned CRDs can be deployed by a single person within minutes — with no lifting required.

“Rescue 42 has done it again. The Compact Rapid Deployable (CRD) sent shockwaves through the emergency response community with its ‘FirstNet anywhere-in-an-instant’ capabilities,” said Chief Jeffrey D. Johnson (Retired), Executive Director of the Western Fire Chiefs Association. “Now, the launch of the miniCRD will broaden wireless functionality into a grab-and-go tactical asset. Rescue 42 is leading the way in demonstrating the full capabilities of what FirstNet is and what it will evolve to be.”