AT&T, FirstNet release state plans for dedicated emergency responder network buildout

The first nationwide high-speed network for first responders edged closer to launching this week with the release of individual state plans by AT&T and the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) to help expedite the network’s buildout.

Officials will have up to 45 days to review plans for the deployment of the FirstNet network in individual states and territories. State officials will then have an opportunity to provide feedback before rendering an official decision to opt in or out of state plans within a 90-day window.

“With this step, we’re ready to deliver the first nationwide network for public safety, by public safety,” Mike Poth, the CEO of FirstNet, said. “This network will drive innovation, security and interoperability for public safety across the country. It’s what EMS, fire and law enforcement spent years fighting for and need right now.”

As an independent authority within the U.S. Department of Commerce, FirstNet has been soliciting feedback from states to shape individual state plans since 2013. FirstNet and AT&T announced a public-private partnership in March to initiate the network’s buildout.

“When we announced our public-private partnership in March, we committed to begin building this unprecedented network and technology ecosystem for public safety later this year,” Chris Sambar, the senior vice president of AT&T–FirstNet, said. “Later begins now. States, territories and public safety have expressed their desire to move quickly. That’s what we’re helping to enable today.”

By opting into state plans, governors will pass the financial, operational and technical risks of building the FirstNet network to AT&T for the next 25 years. Additionally, opting in will authorize network features that first responders advocated for, like quality of service and priority access on the existing AT&T LTE network. Police, fire and EMS personnel will also have dedicated, preemptive access to the AT&T LTE network by year’s end in states that opt in.

“Joining the FirstNet network is one of the most economical and technologically advanced decisions a leader can make for the safety of its residents and first responders — as well as for the safety and security of the country,” Tom Ridge, a former Pennsylvania governor and Homeland Security secretary, said.

“The network will help transform how the nation’s fire, law enforcement and EMS personnel communicate. First responders will be able to coordinate and respond more quickly and effectively during emergencies and everyday situations,” Ridge said.