The FirstNet Authority and University of Mississippi Medical Center today signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on innovation for emergency medical care and response as well as mobile broadband for rural first responders in Mississippi and nationwide.

Public safety communications in Baltimore County got a critical upgrade with the launch of a new, purpose-built cell site. The site – located on Hazelwood Avenue – is part of Maryland’s FirstNet build, which is bringing increased coverage and capacity to first responders across the state.

The FirstNet network is enabling more resilient communities nationwide. With more than 5,250 public safety agencies using 425,000+ connections on FirstNet today, the network is helping first responders and communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.

AT&T customers and FirstNet subscribers got a big boost in wireless connectivity last year. We increased the LTE coverage area for the AT&T network and FirstNet public safety communications platform by more than 50,000 square miles nationwide, covering an additional 1 million individuals.

The FirstNet Authority capped off a year of significant progress for public safety by welcoming new members to the Board and outlining an enhanced strategic direction for the organization.