The FirstNet Authority offers operational support to the public safety community through our Network Engagement Experience Program, assisting them with using FirstNet for events or incidents.
The Network Experience Engagement Program is offered at no cost to help subscribing agencies with pre-incident and event planning, post-incident and event reviews, and exercise planning. The program is highly successful in supporting events staffed by law enforcement, including the Super Bowl, collegiate basketball’s Final Four, and the Kentucky Derby.
Benefits of pre-planning
Pre-incident and event planning is one of our most popular and successful services. FirstNet Authority staff work with your agency to determine what communications looks like for your event or incident.
Our FirstNet Authority team helps examine where responders will be operating, what broadband capabilities will be used, and which technologies are needed at various locations.
The team can also look at FirstNet’s coverage and capacity to determine if any supplemental options are needed. Through our public-private partnership with AT&T, we work with FirstNet AT&T to provide information about any coverage or capacity needs before they become a challenge.
Pre-planning in action
Louisville public safety agencies leveraged the FirstNet Authority’s assistance when planning for the Kentucky Derby and Thunder Over Louisville, the annual airshow and fireworks display that kicks off Derby festivities.
During pre-planning, the FirstNet Authority team investigated public safety’s communication needs throughout the Louisville metro area. This included not only the event venue at Churchill Downs and the main site for Thunder over Louisville, but also the emergency operations center, mobile command posts, staging areas, viewing locations, and even parking lots.
The planning team worked with AT&T to optimize the network in advance for locations identified as critical to public safety during the two events.
A SATColt — a deployable unit that boosts FirstNet connectivity via satellite — was positioned near the venue on hot standby, ready to be remotely activated if needed. During both events, the network performed well and the SATColt wasn’t needed.
In-person day-of support
Louisville public safety requested that FirstNet Authority staff sit in the command post during the events to provide day-of support. They were able to monitor network performance and interface with AT&T if any issues arose.
“I was on the ground at the Kentucky Derby and had the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with Louisville public safety officials at the event,” said Gerald Risner, senior public safety advisor at the FirstNet Authority. “One of our most important roles at the FirstNet Authority is helping first responders take advantage of all FirstNet has to offer to enhance their emergency communications.”
Because of the pre-planning, communications ran smoothly for the event without any issues. FirstNet Authority staff ran tests throughout the venue to track the network’s performance and gather data for future events.
Lasting benefits of pre-planning
Pre-planning sessions with the FirstNet Authority are helpful for any upcoming event — plus the benefits extend to future events and incidents.
Phoenix public safety agencies conducted a comprehensive year-long planning series to prepare for the Super Bowl and a professional golf tournament both held during the same weekend in February 2023. In April 2024, when the area hosted collegiate basketball’s Final Four championship series, the communications infrastructure and planning were already in place. Preparation was straightforward.
Louisville experienced the same lasting benefits from pre-planning for the Kentucky Derby and Thunder Over Louisville in May. A few weeks later, the city hosted a PGA golf championship. The same emergency operations center was used for all three events. Minimal communications support was needed because of the preparation. When the city hosts two music festivals in September, the FirstNet Authority will again help public safety agencies with pre-planning for the events.
Your experience
The Network Experience Engagement Program is beneficial for large events like the Kentucky Derby, but it’s also helpful for local events like festivals or races. Long term, the program can help you prepare for all types of incidents, including unexpected disasters.
Would your agency benefit from pre-planning support? Contact the Network Experience Engagement Program.
To learn more about how FirstNet is helping the law enforcement community to leverage innovative public safety communications, sign up for the Law Enforcement Take with Harry Markley.
