But in the rush to adopt new technologies, a critical question arises: should LMR be phased out, or can it be reinvented as part of a more comprehensive system? Drawing from research, policy frameworks, and real-world case studies, this article contends that the most resilient future lies not in replacing LMR, but in integrating it with broadband to form a hybrid communications ecosystem. The result is a more reliable, data-rich, and mission-ready network for emergency servic

Why DoW Modernization Must Meet the Movement of Civilian Emergency Systems By E. J. Wasikowski – Vice President of Tribal Affairs and Strategy Netmaker Communications, LLC. Introduction: From Warfighting to Civilian Crisis Response The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)- now the   Department of War (DoW)  is undergoing one of the most ambitious transformations in its modern history: the modernization of its Command and Control (C2) infrastructure. Driven by rapidly evolving th

In an era where public safety relies on high-speed, resilient, and interoperable communication systems, Netmaker Communications, LLC is helping communities and governments across Virginia close critical infrastructure gaps. From testing Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) solutions to deploying SD-WAN-powered public Wi-Fi networks, the company is advancing digital equity, operational readiness, and emergency response — especially in historically underserved regions. Engineering t

Your Guide to Online Scam Awareness and Protection Introduction As our daily activities increasingly move online, so do the threats pose by cybercriminals. Online scams are more sophisticated than ever, targeting individuals and businesses through email, social media, websites, and even text messages. Recognizing the signs of an online scam is crucial for protecting your personal information, finances, and peace of mind. This article provides practical tips and insights to he

Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2025: An Authoritative Overview Initiated in 2004 by the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), this campaign has since expanded to encompass a wide array of global stakeholders, including: Government agencies Private sector organizations Non-profit entities Educational institutions Originally established to increase awareness of cyber threats and advocate for cybersecurity best practices, Cybers

By E. J. Wasikowski – Vice President of Tribal Affairs and Strategy Netmaker Communications, LLC. The transition to Next Generation 911...

This technology brings faster, smarter services—allowing text messages, video, and precise caller location. But while many counties benefit from this progress, there’s a troubling silence surrounding Virginia’s tribal communities. 

For the past seven years, I have dedicated my career to public safety communications, working at the intersection of technology,...