01/11/18
What's Next for FirstNet?
All 50 states, two U.S. territories, and Washington, D.C. leaders have opted-in to the state plans for FirstNet, a national public safety network.
The FirstNet network will be a reliable, secure broadband network dedicated to public safety. It will help law enforcement, firefighters, and EMS save lives and protect communities across the United States.
Now that there is national buy-in for the program the big question is “What’s Next?” The answer is that build out for the FirstNet network will begin with several key milestones and activities planned for 2018. Those include:
11/07/17
More Than 30 States Have Opted-in to the FirstNet Network
Utah just became the 31st state to choose FirstNet’s state plans. Once complete, the network will streamline communications and give first responders a way to communicate across agencies and county and state lines, so they can make better decisions for public safety and their communities.
09/29/17
Why FirstNet?
This week Louisiana opted in to partner with FirstNet technology and AT&T. They are now one of the 24 states to make changes in their public safety efforts. As stated in FirstNet’s press release, Louisiana Governor John Bell Edwards said, "The entire State of Louisiana will benefit from this decision.”
08/02/17
FirstNet: Back to the Basics
FirstNet is the First Responder Network Authority within the U.S. Department of Commerce. As stated on its website, “Its mission is to develop, build, and operate the nationwide, broadband network that equips first responders to save lives and protect U. S. communities.”
05/05/17
Helping Public Safety “Catch Up” With Consumers
As technology evolved and consumers began to buy-in to the Internet and smart phones, first responders suddenly moved from the forefront of communication technology to the back of the line.
“When I started in the fire service, we had landline phones and could talk on the radio. The general public did not,” said FirstNet Vice Chairman Jeff Johnson. “Then, we evolved to a place where the general public has superior technology to police, firefighters, and paramedics.”
It was something Johnson witnessed firsthand every day when he got home.
04/27/17
FirstNet 101: An Explanation of the Public Safety Network
Lives depend on first responders’ ability to communicate in disaster and emergency. That is why FirstNet was created—to develop a wireless, mobile network to modernize public safety communications and keep first responders connected when it counts the most.
Most citizens believe that all of our first responders’ can communicate important information with one another. But, oftentimes, the communications networks used by fire, police, and other emergency responders are not compatible within a district or across county lines.
04/21/17
Ten Ways FirstNet Will Help Save Lives, Secure Communities
Imagine if you or your family needed help and first responders didn’t have the necessary information about where you are or if you need firefighters, police, or emergency medical services personnel. Maybe you need all three?
FirstNet seeks to close the gap on communications among public safety personnel by providing the first nationwide public safety broadband network. This network will give fire, police, and emergency workers in your community access to all the information needed to ensure they help your family in a time of need.
03/17/17
FirstNet and States
FirstNet is a federal effort to establish a nationwide telecommunications network for first responders across the U.S. This network will allow first responders to communicate more and more accurate data in real time. It will bring with it innovations in emergency medicine, fire safety, and public security.
Each state is preparing for its role in establishing FirstNet locally. The FirstNet website has a well-organized map where visitors can click on their own state to learn more.
03/11/17
Drones Help FDNY With Bronx Fire
This week, FDNY used a drone to assist in the response to a fire in the Bronx. The drone is outfitted with HD and infrared cameras and allows chiefs on the ground to see and help manage the operations. Having the visual info in addition to the radio reports help make sure the fire fighters are safe.
FirstNet will help first responders share similar information in real time across the U.S.
03/04/17
FirstNet and Firefighters
Fire fighters are important partners with FirstNet. The roll of improved communications in real time is especially important for metro fire fighting first responders. FirstNet recently highlighted the leadership in the fire safety community’s role in planning of the network.
Read the FirstNet blog here to hear from PSAC’s designated member from the Metropolitan Firechiefs Association.
