No More Dragging Their Tarheels: NC “Opts-In” to FirstNet

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North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced his decision to accept the FirstNet and AT&T plan to deliver a wireless broadband network to the state’s public safety community, according to a press release by AT&T. North Carolina became the 30th state to opt into the network, modernizing communications technology, which will be available by end of year and give 24/7/365 communication access to first responders.

“We must do all we can to make sure North Carolina is ready to respond to emergencies and keep the public safe,” Governor Cooper said. “Communication is key in times of crisis and this technology can help strengthen public safety by keeping our first responders connected.”

Since 2014, the state has been evaluating FirstNet and AT&T plus other potential vendors. Now, North Carolina officials entered into a public-private partnership with FirstNet and AT&T to bring public safety personnel – including fire, police, EMS, and other public safety personnel – the overall best value solution with the least risk.

According to Eric Boyette, Secretary of the Department of Information Technology and State Chief Information Officer, “First responders deserve a state of the art communications system, and we believe this is the first step toward building that system.”  

The solution will connect first responders to critical information they need in a highly secure manner, create efficient communications across the state during natural disasters, enhance network coverage across rural and tribal areas, drive infrastructure investments and create jobs across the state, and prep for IoT and the potential for future integration with NextGen 9-1-1 networks and Smart Cities’ infrastructure.

“Governor Cooper’s decision to make FirstNet services available in his state demonstrates his strong commitment to public safety,” said FirstNet CEO Mike Poth. “We look forward to continuing to work with North Carolina’s first responders to help ensure they receive access to the sustainable, cutting-edge network they need to connect local, state, tribal and federal first responders across the Tarheel State.”

November 20, 2017               

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