State and local government agencies are increasingly depending on mobile devices, including smartphones, for communication and data sharing during emergency and disaster response situations. However, for many of these organizations—such as law enforcement, emergency responders, and other first responders—the cellular networks they rely on can become unavailable when needed most.

As government agencies across the United States respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are several new and existing sources of funding to support these rapidly evolving, multi-agency efforts where communications will undoubtedly play a key role.  Earlier this week, the Senate passed a new emergency funding package totaling $340 billion,