Governor Brian Sandoval announced his decision to accept the FirstNet and AT&T plan to deliver a wireless broadband network to the state’s public safety community. This makes Nevada the 14th state to bring advanced technologies to its first responders, helping them save lives and protect communities.
“Public safety is of the highest concern,” said Governor Sandoval. “Increasing the safety of our residents, visitors and first responders through FirstNet was the right choice. From volunteer emergency responders in rural communities to those on the front lines in populous areas, our public safety community deserves access to the cutting-edge technologies they need to get the job done.”
Governor Sandoval said FirstNet will transform the way Nevada’s fire, police, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and other public safety personnel communicate and share information. According to the governor’s office, FirstNet will:
- Connect first responder subscribers to the critical information they need in a highly secure manner when handling day-to-day operations, responding to emergencies and supporting large events, like the annual Las Vegas New Year’s Eve Celebration or Street Vibrations.
- Create an efficient communications experience for public safety personnel in agencies and jurisdictions across the state. This will support emergency response during natural disasters like the devastating floods in Washoe, Douglas and Elko counties, as well as seasonal wildfires recently impacting the community.
- Expand network coverage from the populous Las Vegas Valley to the mountainous regions of Northern Nevada and the rural landscape in between. This will benefit first responders and residents alike.
- Drive infrastructure investments and create jobs across the state.
- Usher in a new wave of innovation that first responders can depend on. This will create an ever-evolving set of life-saving tools for public safety, including public safety apps, specialized devices and Internet of Things technologies. It also carries the potential for future integration with NextGen 9-1-1 networks and Smart Cities’ infrastructure.
“Public safety is our priority and, now, we’re embarking on a program that will change the face of how we communicate statewide,” Sergeant Mike Edgell, Nevada Highway Patrol, said. “The partnership with FirstNet and AT&T brings new technologies supported by a first-rate network dedicated to emergency responders to enhance our capabilities during a crisis. It will also be a helpful tool in the normal course of business and during large scale events.”
FirstNet and AT&T worked with the Nevada Public Safety Communications Committee in designing a network solution with direct input from the state and its public safety community. “Governor Sandoval’s decision to join FirstNet demonstrates his strong commitment to public safety,” said FirstNet CEO Mike Poth.
August 21, 2017
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