Wisconsin and South Dakota have signed on for the buildout of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) along with public-private partner AT&T, the carrier announced. AT&T in conjunction with the First Responder Network Authority will build, operate and maintain a highly secure wireless broadband communications network for the states’ public safety community at no cost to the states.
“Clear and reliable communication is essential for first responders to do their jobs effectively. This new partnership provides crucial, secure, and robust broadband access to our first responders and public safety personnel to help them save lives when every second counts,” said Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker.
Each state has its own unique needs from an emergency response standpoint. FirstNet will help Wisconsin respond to emergencies and support large events like college and professional sporting games, create an effective communications process during natural disasters and severe weather, including tornadoes, snowstorms, blizzards, and flooding, as well as enhance and expand network coverage along Wisconsin’s lakes and waterways.
For South Dakota’s emergency personnel, FirstNet will help with responding to emergencies and supporting large events like the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, one of the largest motorcycle rallies in the world that attracts more than 450,000 people annually, enhance and expand network coverage across South Dakota’s diverse landscape, including rural areas, mountainous and tribal lands, plus drive infrastructure investments and create jobs across the state.
South Dakota’s Governor Dennis Daugaard added, “We deal with our fair share of severe weather and natural disasters in South Dakota. Our first responders need to have access to communication technologies that work whenever and wherever needed. FirstNet will create a single, interoperable system across our state to aid first responders in protecting citizens.”
December 19, 2017
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