Rural

With decades of experience in public safety and public service, Stephen Benjamin understands the importance of reliable communications for first responders. Ten years after the creation of the FirstNet Authority, he reflects on the impacts of FirstNet and shares his vision for the future of the network as Chair of the FirstNet Authority Board.

Public safety agencies and organizations in thousands of communities across the country are staying connected with FirstNet, Built with AT&T. The public safety community on FirstNet has access to the nation’s largest coverage footprint, reaching more than 2.81 million square miles across the country.

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) represents American Indian and Alaska Native Tribal governments and promotes the broad interests of Tribes and their citizens. NCAI has been an important member of the Public Safety Advisory Committee, providing input on the unique communications challenges Tribal first responders face.

Walter “Pete” Landon, Director of Homeland Security and Chief of Staff for Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, spent decades in law enforcement and saw the evolution of technology and communications. In his roles, he advocates for enhancing public safety communications and bringing advanced tools to first responders.

FirstNet is revolutionizing the delivery of public safety services for all users. Learn how FirstNet is expanding broadband coverage into rural areas that have been traditionally underserved or unserved.

When Mason County, West Virginia needed broadband for their public safety agencies, they considered many options and ultimately decided to go with FirstNet because of coverage. Now all EMS agencies in this rural county use FirstNet for their communications, making a difference for providers and patients alike, especially when ambulance rides can be 45 minutes to the nearest advanced care hospital.

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.

The Casper Police Department in Wyoming was one of the first agencies to use the FirstNet network in August 2017 when the city’s population was expected to nearly double during a solar eclipse. Four years later, FirstNet is providing Casper police officers with coverage across the city, dedicated applications to enhance operations, and connectivity to other city agencies during everyday incidents and major emergencies.  

North Carolina’s first responders are getting a major boost in their wireless communications thanks to the new purpose-built FirstNet cell sites launched in Wayne County.

First responders in Tioga County are getting another major boost in their wireless communications thanks to the FirstNet network expansion currently underway by AT&T.

First responders’ inability to communicate after the 9/11 attacks underscored significant public safety communication shortfalls nationwide – including on tribal lands. The FirstNet Authority is working to bring FirstNet’s unique capabilities to tribal communities that are historically prone to communication challenges.

Law enforcement and emergency management agencies in Iowa County, Wisconsin, joined FirstNet, giving responders access to reliable, dedicated connectivity across the rural county.

First responders bravely and selflessly protect and serve our communities every day. On National First Responders Day, we take time to celebrate and honor their dedication. The FirstNet Authority is proud to serve the men and women of public safety with innovative solutions that can make their jobs easier, more efficient, and safer.

The Boise Fire Department in Idaho acquired a Compact Rapid Deployable, giving the agency on-demand access to enhanced coverage when and where it’s needed. The asset and FirstNet’s reliable, dedicated connection will help the agency navigate emergencies and disasters, from wildfires to every day incidents.

Local and state leaders gathered in Caledonia to celebrate the enhanced coverage new FirstNet infrastructure brings to rural areas in southeast Missouri.

Paramedics with Bangs Ambulance in New York experienced cellular service dead zones throughout the rural Finger Lakes region. With FirstNet, the agency is taking advantage of capabilities like high-power user equipment, ensuring personnel have more reliable connectivity to send vital information to local hospitals. 

Sheriff Neil Miller of the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office in Nebraska began implementing mobile data more than 20 years ago, and he continues to bring advanced technologies to increase the efficiency of operations for deputies. With FirstNet being built out throughout the state of Nebraska, deputies and other first responders are able to spend more time in the communities they serve.

The tragedies of 9/11 underscored fundamental problems with communication systems used by our nation’s first responders. In the 20 years since 9/11, technology has changed rapidly. Fortunately, dedicated public safety broadband offered by FirstNet is providing fire departments with powerful new capabilities and modernizing their communications.

When sudden, intense rainfall caused flash flooding and washed out roads in Washington County, Maine, the county’s emergency management director was stranded in town and unable to physically reach the emergency operations center. FirstNet enabled her to remain connected to her staff and other officials to coordinate their response remotely.

The ability to communicate is critical in an emergency for public safety.