Governor Larry Hogan announced Maryland will advance communications for first responders by opting-in to the FirstNet nationwide broadband public safety network — making it the 20th state to do so. The FirstNet-AT&T plan will deliver a wireless broadband network to Maryland’s public safety community, allowing for faster, more informed and better coordinated responses. “Keeping Marylanders safe is our top priority, and our first responders need to be equipped with every tool possible to protect our citizens,” said Governor Hogan. “By adopting this plan, our first responders will now have the ability to efficiently and effectively work together not just within the state, but across the region and at the national level.”
AT&T, in a public-private partnership with FirstNet, will build, operate and maintain a secure wireless broadband communications network for Maryland’s public safety community at no cost to the state. FirstNet will upgrade the way Maryland’s fire, police, EMS and other public safety personnel communicate and share information. It will connect first responder subscribers to the critical information they need in a secure manner when handling day-to-day operations, responding to emergencies and supporting large events like the Preakness.
FirstNet has been meeting with Maryland’s officials and public safety personnel for several years to address their unique communication needs. These include:
- Expanding coverage across the state, particularly in the western and lower Eastern Shore.
- Focusing on the state’s critical infrastructure in preparation for severe weather events.
- Making solutions available to support the state’s large base of volunteer emergency responders.
The administration’s decision to opt-in will enable AT&T to build out FirstNet in Maryland and begin planning and construction ahead of schedule. This will create a secure public safety network for Maryland’s first responder subscribers and provide priority use and preemption on this network. Preemption for primary users over the AT&T LTE network is expected by year-end. This means fire, police, EMS and other public safety workers will have dedicated access to the network when and where they need it – 24/7/365.
September 19, 2017
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