Across New Mexico you will find plains, mountains, basins, mesas, and desert lands, requiring first responders to prepare for a wide variety of environmental challenges. The state’s demographics also swing between large metropolitan areas and small, rural towns. Interoperability is needed in order for state and city agencies to work closely with the governments representing the state’s large Native American population, including part of the Navajo Nation, 19 federally recognized Pueblo communities of Puebloan peoples, and three different federally recognized Apache tribes.
The First Responder Network Authority team recognizes the unique communications challenges that New Mexico first responders face. We have been working closely with New Mexico public safety officials since 2014, capturing their feedback and translating it into the design of the FirstNet network. During the development of state deployment plans, our team worked hand-in-hand with New Mexico leaders to ensure the plan was customized to address their needs, including:
- Expanding coverage in rural and tribal areas, including New Mexico’s Bootheel
- Enabling state, local, tribal, and federal agencies to effectively communicate and coordinate throughout the state and along the border
- Increasing capacity during emergencies and natural disasters through the use of deployables
Following this close collaboration, New Mexico 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 Mexico public safety officials 15 times. Our engagements in New Mexico included meetings with the New Mexico Interoperability Policy Commission, the New Mexico Sheriffs Association, and the New Mexico State Police. 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 Mexico's FirstNet Authority Public Safety Advisor
FirstNet in Action in New Mexico
- FirstNet has supported New Mexico first responders through many events. From connecting public safety at the Albuquerque International Balloon Festival to covering tribal nations during the pandemic, agencies are experiencing the benefits of their network.
- At the 2018 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico, public safety agencies employed a drone detection system to monitor restricted airspace above the event and surrounding areas. FirstNet provided the critical connection needed to support the system as well as on-the-ground operations.
