Gov. Matthew Mead (R-WY) recently announced that Wyoming will be the second state in America to opt-in to the nationwide public safety broadband network for first responders, which is being developed by the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) and AT&T.
As part of the agreement, FirstNet and AT&T will build, operate, and provide needed maintenance for a secure wireless broadband network for use by firefighters, police, public safety personnel and associated first responders during emergency situations. The network’s development will be at no cost to the state of Wyoming for the next 25 years.
“The State of Wyoming has participated in FirstNet consultation and outreach activities throughout the planning of the network and reviewed the details of the FirstNet State Plan,” Mead said. “I have determined that it is in the best interest of Wyoming to participate in the FirstNet deployment of the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network.”
Once the network is fully implemented, it will allow for Wyoming-based first responders to obtain immediate access to voice and data across the existing AT&T long-term evolution (LTE) network. According to FirstNet, preemption for primary users, such as police and EMS, is expected by the end of the year.
The secure channel will allow for subscribers to obtain critical information during natural disaster-type emergencies and large-scale events, such as concerts at Cheyenne’s Frontier Days arena.
“Governor Mead’s decision will enhance public safety communications throughout the state,” FirstNet CEO Mike Poth said. “The FirstNet network will connect first responders operating across Wyoming’s diverse landscape – including its rural, mountainous and remote areas, as well as federal and tribal lands.”