Coverage

After experiencing the difference in coverage and capacity offered by FirstNet, the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office became one of the largest FirstNet subscribers in South Dakota.

In the latest episode of the Public Safety First podcast, guest host and First Responder Network Authority, Director of Field Operations (Northcentral Region) Lesia Dickson is joined by officials from Texas City (Tx.) to discuss their “whole of community” approach to emergency communications and the use of FirstNet to enhance school safety efforts. 

Public safety agencies in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, joined FirstNet in 2019. Now, first responders have access to a network built for their needs with priority and preemption capabilities that help them quickly and securely communicate during everyday incidents, large events, and emergencies.

First responders in Pennington County, South Dakota, operate in a remote county with unique terrain. With FirstNet bringing new tower infrastructure, deployables, and a reliable network connection, deputies with the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office are able to move data and information quickly and securely.

The Anchorage Police Department has equipped its officers with devices connected to FirstNet. With these smartphones, officers have access to a dedicated network with priority and preemption capabilities, giving them a reliable connection whenever and wherever they need it.

Serving a large, rural, remote county, the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office understands the need for reliable communications. The agency became the one of the first in the state of Idaho to join FirstNet, giving deputies the connection they need throughout the county. 

Law enforcement and emergency personnel in Sadieville, Kentucky, joined FirstNet in 2019. With FirstNet, first responders have access to a reliable and secure network that allows them to connect and communicate, even during times of commercial network congestion.

When mudslides threatened Hawkins County in March 2019, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security used a FirstNet deployable to restore communications and stream video back to the Transportation Management Center in Knoxville.

The Georgia Emergency Management Agency and Homeland Security has relied on FirstNet for a variety of incidents and emergencies, from Hurricane Michael to a lost hiker to the 2019 Super Bowl. With priority and preemption on the FirstNet network and access to deployable assets such as SatCOLTs (satellite cells on light trucks) and COWs (cells on wheels), first responders have reliable connection when and where they need it. 

Public safety communications in Baltimore County got a critical upgrade with the launch of a new, purpose-built cell site. The site – located on Hazelwood Avenue – is part of Maryland’s FirstNet build, which is bringing increased coverage and capacity to first responders across the state.

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.

Public safety agencies in Whiteville joined FirstNet, providing local first responders with access to a reliable and secure network.

Spartanburg School District 2 became the first school district in the state of South Carolina to join FirstNet. School resource officers, principals, and administrators have FirstNet devices that allow them to communicate with first responders quickly and securely in the event of an emergency.

FirstNet’s nationwide footprint is expanding. The First Responder Network Authority has given its partner, AT&T, the green light to build out FirstNet, the nationwide public safety broadband network. This includes deploying public safety’s dedicated spectrum – Band 14 – across statewide radio access networks in states and territories across the country.

For first responders at the 2017 International Balloon Festival, communicating and sharing information became much easier because of FirstNet's priority capabilities. Instead of slow or lost signals that often occur during large events, law enforcement and public safety officials at the festival experienced enhanced coverage, connectivity, and capacity with FirstNet.

Public safety agencies in the City of Casper in Wyoming were among the first in the nation to adopt FirstNet services. The network provided Casper first responders with critical connectivity during the 2017 solar eclipse when the state’s population doubled with tourists.