New York
Albany County’s first responders got a major boost in their wireless communications thanks to the FirstNet network expansion currently underway by AT&T.
As broadband becomes more prevalent in public safety communications, the FirstNet Authority offers the After Action Review (AAR) program — a free service available to any FirstNet subscribing agency to capture best practices and lessons learned related to event planning, logistics, operations, and technology use. The AAR program has made a positive impact on communications usage at events such as the New York International Air Show.
FirstNet is building new cell sites as well as upgrading existing cell sites in New York state, bringing Band 14 to local first responders. This enhanced coverage gives public safety uninterrupted access to the network and the resources they need.
The FirstNet Authority’s Public Safety Advocacy team proactively reaches out to public safety to discuss FirstNet and elicit feedback and insight regarding their communication needs for public safety broadband and innovative technologies. In the East region, the team includes seven public safety advisors covering a geographically diverse region of 19 states.
New York’s first responders are getting a major boost in their wireless communications with the addition of 22 new, purpose-built FirstNet cell sites and other network enhancements. This new infrastructure is part of the FirstNet network expansion taking place across the state, bringing increased coverage, capacity and capabilities for public safety.
New York City, in addition to being a world cultural and financial center, is where the need for FirstNet really became clear with the attacks on September 11, 2001.
FirstNet boosted coverage for personnel aboard the U.S. Navy’s medical ship, the USNS Comfort, when it was deployed to New York City to treat COVID-19 patients. FirstNet also deployed a cell on wheels in Los Angeles to support the naval ship Mercy.
Officers with the Troy Police Department in New York rely on FirstNet for a differentiated emergency communications experience in the city’s densely populated urban setting. FirstNet’s priority and preemption service allows officers to stay connected, make calls, and send and receive information securely without signal delay or disruption.
For public safety in Niagara County, interoperability is key, and for years, agencies have worked on a regional approach to interoperability. With FirstNet, the agencies in this area have access to a dedicated network for first responders that also provides cost-effective interoperability solutions.
