Coverage

When severe rains caused rivers to flood in the Midwest, the Illinois Incident Management Team requested a FirstNet SatCOLT (satellite cell on light truck). The SatCOLT provided first responders with a secure and reliable connection, allowing them to communicate as they worked in the aftermath of the storms.

FirstNet continues to gain rapid momentum with over 750,000 device connections being used by more than 9,000 public safety agencies.

Warren County’s first responders got a major boost in their wireless communications with the addition of two new, purpose-built cell sites. The sites – located in Warrenton and near Lake Gaston – are part of the FirstNet network expansion taking place in North Carolina, which is bringing increased coverage, capacity and capabilities to first responders across the state.

In August 2019, FirstNet unveiled two new cell sites in Warren County, bringing enhanced coverage and capacity to this rural area of North Carolina. Congressman G.K. Butterfield joined FirstNet Authority Board member Welton Chase, Jr. for the ceremonial ribbon cutting.

After testing the FirstNet network in and around the county, local officials in Montour County, Pennsylvania, decided to subscribe to FirstNet. Now, first responders and county employees supporting public safety operations use the network to stay connected during daily incidents, emergencies, and natural disasters.

Signal Mountain became the first city in Tennessee to join FirstNet, bringing first responders access to a dedicated, reliable network that connects them to the critical information they need during everyday incidents and emergencies.

The Parma Fire Department in Ohio relies on FirstNet for interoperable communications and greater situational awareness through advanced tools, such as biometric monitors.

First responders serving the Red Cliff Reservation got a major boost in their access to broadband communications with the addition of a new, purpose-built cell site. The new Infrastructure will improve connectivity for tribal first responders and expand rural broadband access for the tribal community.

First responders in Preston County got a major boost in their wireless communications with the launch of a FirstNet cell site. The site – located in Fellowsville – is part of the FirstNet network expansion taking place in West Virginia, which is bringing purpose-built coverage, capacity, and capabilities to first responders across the state.

After experiencing the difference in coverage and capacity offered by FirstNet, the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office became one of the largest FirstNet subscribers in South Dakota.

In the latest episode of the Public Safety First podcast, guest host and First Responder Network Authority, Director of Field Operations (Northcentral Region) Lesia Dickson is joined by officials from Texas City (Tx.) to discuss their “whole of community” approach to emergency communications and the use of FirstNet to enhance school safety efforts. 

Public safety agencies in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, joined FirstNet in 2019. Now, first responders have access to a network built for their needs with priority and preemption capabilities that help them quickly and securely communicate during everyday incidents, large events, and emergencies.

First responders in Pennington County, South Dakota, operate in a remote county with unique terrain. With FirstNet bringing new tower infrastructure, deployables, and a reliable network connection, deputies with the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office are able to move data and information quickly and securely.

The Anchorage Police Department has equipped its officers with devices connected to FirstNet. With these smartphones, officers have access to a dedicated network with priority and preemption capabilities, giving them a reliable connection whenever and wherever they need it.

Serving a large, rural, remote county, the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office understands the need for reliable communications. The agency became the one of the first in the state of Idaho to join FirstNet, giving deputies the connection they need throughout the county. 

Law enforcement and emergency personnel in Sadieville, Kentucky, joined FirstNet in 2019. With FirstNet, first responders have access to a reliable and secure network that allows them to connect and communicate, even during times of commercial network congestion.

When mudslides threatened Hawkins County in March 2019, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security used a FirstNet deployable to restore communications and stream video back to the Transportation Management Center in Knoxville.

The Georgia Emergency Management Agency and Homeland Security has relied on FirstNet for a variety of incidents and emergencies, from Hurricane Michael to a lost hiker to the 2019 Super Bowl. With priority and preemption on the FirstNet network and access to deployable assets such as SatCOLTs (satellite cells on light trucks) and COWs (cells on wheels), first responders have reliable connection when and where they need it. 

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.

At the 2018 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico, public safety agencies employed a drone detection system to monitor restricted airspace above the event and surrounding areas. FirstNet provided the critical connection needed to support the system as well as on-the-ground operations.