Deployables
When Hurricane Florence hit North Carolina in September 2018, FirstNet provided reliable coverage and connection to public safety agencies in Whiteville. A FirstNet SatCOLT (satellite cell on light truck) was deployed to the area, and first responders used enhanced push-to-talk and to communicate in the aftermath of the storm.
Every day and in every emergency, FirstNet is here to support the needs of public safety. From making sure first responders are connected when they need it most to scanning the horizon for the most useful public safety communication innovations, the First Responder Network Authority is committed to advocating for the lifesaving communications technology first responders need on the job.
FirstNet keeps firefighters connected during wildfires, such as the 2018 Miles Fire in Prospect, Oregon, and wildfires in Napa Valley and Sonoma in California. In Oregon, a FirstNet deployable enhanced coordination and communication among the nearly 2,000 first responders who gathered at base camp. In California, FirstNet equipped responders with the devices they needed for enhanced situational awareness and coordination during the 2017 wildfires.
AT&T has been actively deploying public safety's Band 14 spectrum as part of our FirstNet build. The buildout will be validated by the FirstNet Authority and will ultimately bring first responders the additional coverage and capacity they need. So far, Band 14 has been added to more than 2,500 sites across the country – with the process for 10,000+ more currently underway. And the first FirstNet-dedicated deployable network assets are ready for use.
First responders championed the creation of FirstNet. And now that it's here, they continue to show their support. More than 1,000 public safety agencies across 52 states and territories have joined FirstNet, nearly doubling the network's adoption since April.
Emergency managers are at the center of community preparedness and response should an emergency or disaster strike. As hurricane season is upon us, it is a reminder of the important work of our nation’s emergency managers who put service to their communities first in times of need.
When the town of Brookfield, Connecticut was hit hard by a tremendous storm with wind speeds over 100 miles per hour, most of the area’s communications infrastructure was damaged and overloaded. For Brookfield Assistant Fire Chief Andrew Ellis the lack of communications threatened his ability to coordinate multiple agencies on scene providing mutual aid. Thanks to a quick response, Brookfield first responders were outfitted with 30 FirstNet-ready devices connected to a FirstNet SatCOLT (satellite cell on light truck).