New Jersey is one of our nation’s most densely populated states, with large urban areas that play host to many major conferences, pageants, and planned sports and music events every year. Situated at the center of a major transportation corridor connecting Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., New Jersey sees frequent traffic in and out of the state. FirstNet provides the Garden State’s first responders with the modern communications platform they need to save lives and protect communities and visitors across their state.
The First Responder Network Authority team recognizes the unique communications challenges that New Jersey first responders face. We have been working closely with New Jersey public safety officials since 2014, capturing their feedback and working with AT&T to improve the design of the FirstNet network. During the development of state deployment plans, our team worked hand-in-hand with New Jersey leaders and AT&T, our network partner, to ensure the plan was customized to address their needs, including:
- Giving first responders access to a reliable network connection and extending coverage along the Jersey Shore and in the Pine Barrens as well as other areas throughout the state
- Taking extra steps to protect the network and ensure rapid restoration from storms in hurricane-prone areas
- Improving interoperability for public safety across the state as well as with neighboring states
- Providing feature-rich services at highly competitive rates
Following this close collaboration, New Jersey 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 New Jersey public safety officials more than 15 times. Our engagements in New Jersey included a forum with New Jersey law enforcement, meetings with the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, and a Public Safety Answering Point Workshop with the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness. 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.
New Jersey's FirstNet Authority Public Safety Advisor
FirstNet in Action in New Jersey
- Volunteer firefighters are the heart of our nation’s fire services community. Volunteer agencies are often smaller, rural, and have fewer resources. FirstNet offers several ways that help volunteer agencies level the playing field, including the Toms River Fire Department in New Jersey and the San Marcos Pass Volunteer Fire Department in California.
