Rapid deployment of 5G Connectivity for Covert Operations and Large-Scale Public Events
Agency: Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Unit
Jurisdiction: Chatham County, Georgia
Personnel: ~50 agents
Use Case: Mobile surveillance, rapid deployment, major event response
Executive Summary
The Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team (CNT) improved operational communications and deployment flexibility using AirgainConnect® Go-Kit Pro and AC-Fleet™. Operating across a large geographic area with approximately 50 agents, the team relies on real-time video, mobile data access, and secure communications to support covert investigations, surveillance operations, and public safety missions. By deploying portable and vehicle-based connectivity solutions with multi-carrier support, CNT improved connectivity during large-scale public events, accelerated vehicle deployments, enhanced covert mobility, and established a resilient backup communications capability for critical infrastructure.
The CNT operates in a hybrid task force structure, with agents covering a wide geographic area using unmarked vehicles for covert surveillance. Operational success depends on real-time video, MDT (Mobile Data Terminals) access, and communications—often in environments where cellular coverage is unreliable or crowded.
Previously, the team relied on conventional vehicle routers and antennas, which required extensive cabling and took several hours to install. These systems also lacked redundancy, and portability – limiting effectiveness in dynamic scenarios such as surveillance rotations or large-scale events.
CNT deployed a combination of AirgainConnect Go-Kit Pro and AC-Fleet solutions to support both vehicle-based and portable connectivity requirements.
The deployment provided:
Each system was provisioned with active eSIM profiles supporting:
The solution automatically selected the strongest available carrier, helping ensure reliable communications across varying coverage environments. The combination of fixed and portable connectivity enabled agents to maintain operational flexibility while improving communications resilience.
A vehicle-mounted, all-in-one 5G gateway combining modem, GPS/GNSS, Wi-Fi 6, and high-performance antennas. Supports up to four eSIM profiles for seamless multi-carrier redundancy.
A portable, battery-powered version of the same integrated solution, housed in compact rugged case suitable for covert field use or rapid setup in temporary surveillance scenarios.
During Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day weekend—a multi-day event attracting over 500,000 attendees—Go-Kit Pro and AC-Fleet were used to support a quick reaction force. Connectivity remained consistent throughout the deployment, enabling live video streaming, real-time communications, and uninterrupted access to MDTs.
The AC-Fleet system reduced installation complexity by more than 50%. Installation requires only a power cable and a single Ethernet connection—eliminating RF cable routing and antenna tuning. Full vehicle installs could be completed under four hours.
Each unit was provisioned with active eSIM profiles for T-Mobile, AT&T, FirstNet, Verizon. Devices prioritized the strongest available signal automatically—enabling agents to maintain service when operating across varying coverage zones.
Go-Kit Pro was deployed in unmarked vehicles for short-term surveillance without visible wiring or permanent installation. Its compact profile and plug-and-play functionality provided agents with a rapid and discreet connectivity solution.
AC-Fleet was also utilized as an emergency backup for the agency’s wiretap monitoring center following a connectivity failure. The unit was deployed within minutes, ensuring continued secure operation with zero downtime.
| Operational Area | Impact |
|---|---|
| Event operations | Reliable connectivity during 500,000+ attendee event |
| Fleet deployment | More than 50% reduction in installation complexity |
| Carrier availability | Multi-carrier automatic failover capability |
| Surveillance operations | Portable deployment in unmarked vehicles |
| Communications resilience | Backup support for critical infrastructure |
| Field readiness | Rapid deployment within minutes |
Public safety agencies increasingly operate in environments where the reliability of communications directly affects operational effectiveness. Whether responding to major public events, conducting investigations, supporting surveillance operations, or maintaining continuity during infrastructure outages, agencies require communications systems that are resilient, portable, and easy to deploy.
This deployment demonstrates how modern connectivity solutions can help law enforcement organizations improve operational readiness, strengthen communications resilience, and support mission-critical activities across a wide range of scenarios.
Following successful usage in vehicles and ground-based surveillance, the team is now testing AC-Fleet for integration into helicopter and drone operations. A trial configuration is in place to support a live video downlinking and real-time geospatial overlay during flight. The ruggedized, IP69K-rated hardware is expected to meet the harsh demands of airborne operation under high speed and environmental stress.
