Panasonic and Cradlepoint have announced the commercial availability of an integrated mobile computing and connectivity networking solution. Designed for public safety and EMS agencies as well as transportation and utilities industries, the mobile computing and connectivity solution supports both commercial 4G-LTE and the emerging FirstNet public safety networks based on Band-14.

Designed to be easy to deploy and cost effective, the solution is made to deliver highly-secure, enhanced LTE connectivity for multiple devices to significantly improve productivity, reduce downtime, and enhance the security of in-vehicle networks.  

With more than 20 years of wireless design and development experience, Panasonic understands that reliable connectivity and anywhere, anytime access to data provides tremendous value and competitive advantage to its customers. In addition to reliable connectivity, Panasonic's Toughbook computers are designed to deliver the durability, reliability, and performance needed to keep pace with the ever-changing demands of today's mobile workplace.

This new solution combines Panasonic's Toughbook devices with a rugged Cradlepoint cloud-managed 4G-LTE router, providing a "vehicle area network" to connect computers, cameras, sensors and telemetry interfaces together with access to commercial and emerging FirstNet broadband wireless networks.

"In today's challenging and increasingly mobile-centric work environment, users must have the ability to link all of their devices regardless of where their job takes them. For first responders, lives depend on their ability to access and share information, and communicate in real-time in order to provide critical services quickly, reliably and efficiently," said Victoria Obenshain Vice President of Wireless Strategy, Panasonic System Communications Company of North America. "Panasonic is bringing together all of the computing, in-vehicle connectivity and support services together to keep today's data-driven mobile workforce and first responders—and the rugged devices they rely upon to do their job—always connected."

The first wave of field automation for many police and fire departments and other public safely organizations has been the deployment of cellular-connected ruggedized laptops and tablets for real-time access to critical applications and information. Now, a new wave of technologies and services are emerging to address the unique demands and challenges faced by today's first responders. They include an array of connected devices, such as body-worn and dash cameras, evidence collection devices, and FirstNet wireless broadband networks based on dedicated Band-14 spectrum. This new wave has created the need for scalable, secure and reliable vehicle-based networks to tie these components together and to connect to private and public clouds and other public safety organizations over 4G-LTE.

"Growing automation, innovation and regulation within public safety organizations is driving a shift from device-by-device connectivity to a 'vehicle area network' approach," said George Mulhern, Chief Executive Officer of Cradlepoint. "We are pleased to collaborate with Panasonic and be part of their quest to equip first responders with a purpose-built technology solution they need for the daily challenges they face. Cradlepoint is the first to combine cloud management, software-defined networking and advanced 4G LTE technologies—like Band-14—into a vehicle-based network solution for first responders."

Pricing and Availability

The integrated mobile computing and connectivity solutions are currently available from authorized resellers at an MSRP of $900 for the LTE model and $2100 for the LTE+Band 14 model. 

Sales inquiries for Panasonic's Toughbook and Toughpad product lines should be directed to sales.psc@us.panasonic.com or 877-803-8492. Information on Panasonic solutions for business can be obtained by calling 877-803-8492 or at us.panasonic.com/business-solutions/.