Idaho and Texas have become the 20th and 21st states to opt-in to the FirstNet nationwide mobile broadband communications network for first responders, after Maryland joined earlier this week.
Texas is the largest state to make the decision. “As we saw in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, our first responders are often the last and only hope for safety in rapidly-changing and life-threatening situations, but this partnership with FirstNet and AT&T, allows Texas’ fire, police, EMS and other public safety personnel to be better equipped when responding in these emergencies,” announced Governor Greg Abbott.
Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar agreed, calling the support the state received from AT&T and FirstNet during the response to Harvey “incredible, and with this partnership, it will only get better.”
Meanwhile in Idaho, Governor Butch Otter announced: “Timely, reliable and accurate information is critically important to ensuring that our first responders can most effectively protect our citizens.”
Advanced communications are critical to first responder safety and help make Idaho first responders more efficient and effective, according to Pocatello Fire Chief David Gates. “Natural disasters – like the fires we’re fighting right now – know no boundaries. With FirstNet, we can be nimble and adaptable thanks to interoperable communications tools that will give us improved information, coordination and collaboration in emergencies.”
AT&T plans for FirstNet in both states include expanding rural communications coverage, expediting deployment to improve LTE availability and providing Texas and Idaho public safety volunteers with Bring Your Own Device solutions.
September 21, 2017
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