A portable multi-network LTE connectivity solution for first responders: Advancing public safety through platform-as-a-service models

In the evolving landscape of emergency response, reliable connectivity remains an essential enabler for effective communication, situational awareness, and patient care. This article presents a comprehensive exploration of a portable connectivity solution leveraging multiple Long-Term Evolution (LTE) networks to deliver reliable Wi-Fi hotspot services for first responders in the field. Beyond serving as a hardware solution, this system is conceptualized as a Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) to empower first responders with portable, scalable, and dependable connectivity ensuring uninterrupted broadband access, empowering emergency medical services (EMS), disaster management teams, law enforcement, and fire services. The paper explores the system architecture, performance advantages, integration with EMS workflows, and the broader implications for public safety. Through comparative analysis, architectural design, and use-case evaluation, this article highlights the societal value of resilient connectivity infrastructure that allows first responders to prioritize community care. By ensuring robust communication pathways in dynamic and unpredictable environments, such solutions allow first responders to focus on their mission-critical responsibility: protecting and caring for communities. Figures and tables are integrated to visualize evolution, system design, use cases, latency comparison, and future roadmaps. The study concludes with challenges and considerations, scalability, and future research directions.