FirstNet highlights Rhode Island first responder connectivity

First Responder Network (FirstNet) officials are espousing the benefits of delivering more coverage and boosting capacity for Rhode Island first responders and the communities they serve.

Authorities noted FirstNet, built with AT&T, serves as the only nationwide, high-speed broadband communications platform dedicated to and purpose-built for the nation’s first responders and the extended public safety community.

“FirstNet is a dedicated broadband platform for public safety, by public safety,” FirstNet Authority Acting CEO Lisa Casias said. “We worked hand-in-hand with the Rhode Island public safety community to understand their needs for the network. And this new infrastructure is a prime example of how that input and feedback is becoming reality. We look forward to supporting Rhode Island first responders’ use of FirstNet to help them save lives and protect our communities.”

FirstNet now covers the entire state, connecting public safety agencies and organizations in more than 30 communities. From 2019 to 2021, AT&T invested over $60 million in its wireless network in Rhode Island via new cell towers to bolster 4G LTE coverage.

“Rhode Island’s first responders deserve reliable coverage across the state to help them provide safety and security to Ocean Staters,” AT&T Northern Region President Patricia Jacobs said. “And with FirstNet, that’s exactly what they’re getting. We have a responsibility unlike any other network provider and couldn’t be prouder to support the public safety mission by bringing Rhode Island first responders – and residents – greater access to the connectivity they need.”

Rhode Island was the first state to receive FirstNet compact rapid deployables (CRDs), providing FirstNet cellular and Wi-Fi coverage via satellite connectivity to first responders wherever their mission takes them.