All 50 states opt-in to FirstNet

All 50 states, the District of Columbia, and two US territories have opted in to FirstNet. FirstNet, the First Responder Network Authority, will be the first nationwide wireless broadband network for the country’s first responders. Earlier this year, AT&T won the 25-year contract that will result in a $46.5 billion investment in infrastructure.

“FirstNet will transform how first responders communicate as they respond to emergencies and protect the public in communities across the country, including rural America,” said Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator David Redl. “As we turn now to deployment, I look forward to continuing to work with FirstNet, AT&T, and first responders in all states, territories, and Washington, DC, to make this network a reality.”

CWA has long supported efforts to build a nationwide interoperable wireless broadband communications system for first responders, and strongly encouraged states to opt into FirstNet. The network will be built, operated, and maintained by AT&T, the union wireless carrier, which means higher job standards for workers and greater protections for consumers.

Opting into FirstNet is a win-win for the states, first responders, wireless workers, and the public. First responders retain their ability to subscribe to the wireless service provider of their choice while benefiting from a dedicated network tailored to their needs.

Link:

All 50 States Choose FirstNet Public-Private Partnership for Public Safety Broadband Network (US Dept. of Commerce, Dec. 29, 2017)