Delaware’s central location on the eastern seaboard means it borders three states with major east coast cities. The high concentration of industry and tourism within the state’s compact 1,954 square miles has the potential to place a strain on its communications infrastructure, sometimes causing network congestion for Delaware’s first responders.
The First Responder Network Authority team recognizes the unique communications challenges that Delaware first responders face. We have been working closely with Delaware public safety officials since 2014, capturing their feedback and working with AT&T to translate it into the design of the FirstNet network. During the development of state deployment plans, our team worked hand-in-hand with Delaware leaders and AT&T to ensure the plan was customized to address their needs, including:
- Extending coverage to include rural areas across the state, the Atlantic beach areas, and the coastline of the Delaware Bay while also improving in-building coverage
- Including a deployable solution that supports emergency response and events
- Demonstrating awareness of the public safety mission when it comes to customer care and support
Following this close collaboration, Delaware chose to adopt the plan and “opt in” to FirstNet. Today, we continue to meet regularly with state and local officials to discuss their public safety broadband needs. In 2019 alone, our team met with Delaware public safety officials more than 15 times. Our engagements in Delaware included meeting with the Delaware Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee (SIEC), the SIEC’s Operations Committee, and its Broadband Working Group; participating in a drone demonstration by the Delaware Emergency Management Agency; and meeting with the St. Francis Hospital EMS agency. Engagements like these are crucial to the ongoing success of the network and the advancement of public safety communications across the state and the nation.
Connect with our team of Public Safety Advisors to learn about FirstNet in your community.
Delaware's FirstNet Authority Public Safety Advisor
FirstNet in Action in Delaware
- The “Monster Mile” at Dover Motor Speedway can be as tough on communications as it is on drivers. With more than a dozen public safety partners supporting races and the Firefly Music Festival, reliable connectivity is critical. FirstNet is ensuring responders can communicate and share information to keep visitors safe.
- The Wilmington Police Department in Delaware serves the state’s largest city. Recognizing the need for more efficient and effective aerial video capabilities, the agency invested in unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) in 2014. The agency relies on FirstNet to stream video footage from the drones back to the ground in real time, providing responders with critical information to make in-the-moment decisions.
- The Milford Police Department in Delaware uses hundreds of gigabytes of data each month, uploading dash and body-worn camera footage and using ticket and reporting software provided by the state. FirstNet’s reliable, dedicated connection and priority and preemption features ensure officers can communicate, share data, and stay connected to data capabilities in the field.
