FirstNet executes NY expansion effort

First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) officials said the high-speed broadband communications platform dedicated to and purpose built for America’s first responders is expanding across New York state.

Officials are espousing the benefits of adding 22 new FirstNet cell sites and other network enhancements, noting the new infrastructure provides increased coverage, capacity and public safety capabilities.

“FirstNet is a dedicated broadband platform for public safety, by public safety,” FirstNet Authority CEO Edward Parkinson said. “We worked hand-in-hand with New York’s public safety community to understand their needs for the network. And these network enhancements are a prime example of how that input and feedback is becoming reality. We look forward to supporting New York first responders’ use of FirstNet to help them save lives and protect communities.”

FirstNet is built with AT&T in a public-private partnership with the FirstNet Authority, which is an independent agency within the federal government.

The effort also provides free smartphones for life for public safety agencies, officials said, noting the initiative is at no additional cost on FirstNet Mobile—Unlimited plans.

“New York’s first responders deserve reliable coverage across the state to help them effectively and efficiently address incidents. And with FirstNet, that’s exactly what is being delivered,” Amy Kramer, president, AT&T New York, said. “We couldn’t be more pleased to support the public safety mission and bring the state’s first responders – and residents – greater access to the connectivity they need. Working with public safety, we’ve made FirstNet nimble, adaptable and ready to scale for even the most severe situations as we’re seeing currently with COVID-19.”