Coverage

Minnesota’s first responders are getting a major boost in their wireless communications thanks to the new FirstNet cell site launched in Fillmore County.

Paramedics with Bangs Ambulance in New York experienced cellular service dead zones throughout the rural Finger Lakes region. With FirstNet, the agency is taking advantage of capabilities like high-power user equipment, ensuring personnel have more reliable connectivity to send vital information to local hospitals. 

Minnesota’s first responders and residents are getting another major boost in their wireless communications thanks to the new FirstNet cell site built near Baudette.

Sheriff Neil Miller of the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office in Nebraska began implementing mobile data more than 20 years ago, and he continues to bring advanced technologies to increase the efficiency of operations for deputies. With FirstNet being built out throughout the state of Nebraska, deputies and other first responders are able to spend more time in the communities they serve.

Minnesota’s first responders are getting a major boost in their wireless communications thanks to the new FirstNet cell site launched near Kellog.

The tragedies of 9/11 underscored fundamental problems with communication systems used by our nation’s first responders. In the 20 years since 9/11, technology has changed rapidly. Fortunately, dedicated public safety broadband offered by FirstNet is providing fire departments with powerful new capabilities and modernizing their communications.

When sudden, intense rainfall caused flash flooding and washed out roads in Washington County, Maine, the county’s emergency management director was stranded in town and unable to physically reach the emergency operations center. FirstNet enabled her to remain connected to her staff and other officials to coordinate their response remotely.

The ability to communicate is critical in an emergency for public safety.

First responders in Allegany County, Maryland, received improved communications with the launch of new FirstNet cell sites.

Southeastern Missouri’s first responders and residents are getting another major boost in their wireless communications thanks to the FirstNet® network expansion currently underway by AT&T. 

Northern Minnesota’s first responders are getting a major boost in their wireless communications thanks to the new FirstNet cell site launched in the Kabetogama State Forest.

Burleson County is a small, rural county east of Austin in Texas. The Burleson County Sheriff’s Office serves the county through law enforcement, corrections, and dispatch services. The Sheriff’s Office launched its drone program to enhance situational awareness during emergencies and planned events. As a rural county, connectivity is key, and FirstNet ensures footage from the drones can be streamed back in real time to decision makers on the ground. 

The second quarterly Third Generational Partnership Project (3GPP) Plenary e-meetings of 2021 focused on the completion of Release 17 (R17) stage 2 (architecture) work and preparation for prioritization of features for R18. The group declared the stage 2 work frozen, while allowing some work items to continue into the third quarter of 2021. At this time, the R17 stage 3 (protocol) freeze date remains on schedule for March 2022.

Governor Dan McKee, Director Marc Pappas of the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA), the FirstNet Authority, and AT&T unveiled new FirstNet equipment and technology for Rhode Island first responders.  As part of the state’s plan when opting into FirstNet, AT&T has delivered 2 new Compact Rapid Deployables (CRDs) to RIEMA. Rhode Island is the first state in the country to receive CRDs as a part of the state’s decision to advance its public safety broadband communications with FirstNet.

A new FirstNet cell site was turned on in Dorchester County, Maryland, on the property of the Neck District Volunteer Fire Company. The site brings enhanced connectivity and communications to public safety in the region.

Last year, firefighters on the west coast battled a relentless string of fires prompting mass evacuations, destroying thousands of homes and threatening dozens of communities. As the fires and the pandemic continue to pose a double threat, FirstNet worked as it was intended by giving first responders prioritized and preemptive service to make sure that emergency communications always comes first. FirstNet prioritizes first responder communication ahead of non-emergency communications – and that has made all the difference in keeping firefighters safe as they protect communities and save lives.

Allegany County's first responders got another major boost in their wireless communications thanks to the FirstNet network expansion currently underway by AT&T.

At the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority), our goal is to support public safety in operationalizing their network, FirstNet, and ensure it continues to evolve to meet public safety’s communications needs. As part of our engagement efforts, we spoke to several wildland firefighters and agencies about lessons learned of using public safety broadband for combatting wildfires. Here are their takeaways and key things to keep in mind when it comes to using FirstNet to support the frontlines.

Dorchester County’s first responders got another major boost in their wireless communications thanks to the FirstNet network expansion currently underway by AT&T.   

The Wilmington Police Department in Delaware serves the state’s largest city. Recognizing the need for more efficient and effective aerial video capabilities, the agency invested in unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) in 2014. The agency relies on FirstNet to stream video footage from the drones back to the ground in real time, providing responders with critical information to make in-the-moment decisions.