Hot Springs – October 27, 2026 -- Verizon Frontline displayed six categories of deployable connectivity assets at the 2026 Central States Communications Exercise in Hot Springs, Arkansas, many of them powered by ST Engineering iDirect technology.
Exercise gives agencies hands-on time with communications gear
The exercise brings local, state, tribal and federal agencies and nongovernmental organizations together with technology providers. Participants test capabilities in realistic scenarios rather than watching demonstrations. They also learn from emergency communications professionals who have supported real-world incidents and look for interoperability gaps across networks, equipment and operating procedures.
Verizon Frontline fields assets from private 5G to off-road vehicles
The showcased assets were built to restore and extend connectivity during emergencies:
- THOR: mobile private 5G, edge computing and command capabilities for on-site decisions.
- OXEN: rugged communications for remote or damaged areas.
- SPOTs: cellular coverage where terrestrial networks are unavailable.
- Turtleback: connections across multiple satellite orbits.
- Can-Am vehicles: off-road transport of communications equipment to hard-to-access areas.
- Additional assets: connectivity matched to terrain and mission.
ST Engineering iDirect sends North America executive to the site
Kris Jarrett, Regional Vice President for North America at ST Engineering iDirect, joined the Verizon Frontline team and other technology partners on site. He said the exercise gives the company a direct view into responders' operational needs and real-time feedback from the people who rely on these systems, helping turn technology into "tested capability."