The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) recently delivered official notice of State Plans to governors regarding the nationwide broadband network for public safety personnel.
Governors have until Dec. 28 to choose to either accept the FirstNet/AT&T plan to deploy the network or begin the process by which the state will deploy its own Radio Access Network (RAN) that must be interoperable with the FirstNet network. If a state does not take any action, it will automatically opt in.
The official notice put out by FirstNet and AT&T follows updated State Plans delivered to states and territories last month.
“These plans will unlock innovation and create next-generation tools to help first responders save lives and protect communities across the U.S.,” FirstNet CEO Mike Poth said. “As the governors look to make their decisions, we will continue to work closely with the states to ensure the network meets the needs of their first responders.”
Twenty-four states and territories have elected to opt in to the FirstNet/AT&T plan.
“Connectivity underlies everything first responders do,” Chris Sambar, senior vice president, AT&T – FirstNet, said. “That’s why they’ve spent years advocating for access to modern communications capabilities. We’re honored so many U.S. states and territories have already entrusted us to make these life-saving tools available to their first responders. We look forward to continuing to work with states and territories as they make decisions on how to best deliver the most important public safety innovation of their lifetime.”