Located in the northern area between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River, Wisconsin experiences year-round weather challenges that often complicate communications for first responders. Wisconsin’s first responders also require seamless, interoperable communications during Green Bay Packer football games, on the state’s 11 federally recognized tribal lands, and along the 820 miles of coastlines along Lake Michigan and Lake Superior.  

The First Responder Network Authority team recognizes the unique communications challenges that Wisconsin first responders face. We have been working closely with Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin leaders to ensure the plan was customized to address their needs, including:  

• Expanding wireless coverage in rural, tribal, and underserved areas 
• Enabling state, local, and federal agencies to effectively communicate and coordinate along Wisconsin’s borders  
• Increasing capacity during emergencies and natural disasters through the use of deployable network assets 
• Using existing state infrastructure where necessary and appropriate 

Following this close collaboration, Wisconsin 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. 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.