The states of Kentucky and Arkansas recently announced that they will become the third and fourth states, respectively, to opt-in to the nationwide public safety broadband network currently 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 either state for the next 25 years.
“First responders put their lives on the line each day to protect our communities,” Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R-AR) said. “I am excited to partner with FirstNet and AT&T to provide innovative communication technologies and tools that will help first responders protect communities and lives. This is a major step forward for the Arkansas public safety community, and I am proud that Arkansas is among the first states in the nation to opt in to this critical infrastructure project.”
Once the network is fully implemented, it will allow for state-based first responders to obtain immediate access to voice and data across the existing AT&T long-term evolution (LTE) network, without the interference seen in public networks. The secure channel will enable public safety personnel to freely communicate during natural disaster-type scenarios and large scale events, such as concerts and state fairs.
According to FirstNet, preemption for primary users, such as police and EMS, is expected by the end of the calendar year for both states.
“Kentucky’s first responders are on the front lines every day – their ability to communicate is critical to serving and protecting communities across the Commonwealth,” FirstNet CEO Mike Poth said. “Governor Bevin’s decision to join the FirstNet network will deliver the next-generation tools that public safety needs to better respond to emergencies, natural disasters, and during special events. FirstNet looks forward to serving Kentucky’s public safety communities.”