California Governor Brown Opts-in to FirstNet

“FirstNet in California will help deliver innovation and interoperability across the Golden State’s diverse landscape – including its rural, urban and coastal areas.”

RESTON, Va., Dec. 28, 2017 – California is advancing communications capabilities for first responders. Today, Governor Edmund G. “Jerry” Brown Jr. announced his decision to accept the First Responder Network Authority* and AT&T** plan to design and build a wireless broadband network to the state’s public safety community. FirstNet will bring advanced technologies that will help California’s first responders save lives and protect communities.

“Today’s decision by Governor Brown puts reliable communications and cutting-edge technology in the hands of California’s first responders,” said First Responder Network Authority CEO Mike Poth. “FirstNet in California will help deliver innovation and interoperability across the Golden State’s diverse landscape – including its rural, urban and coastal areas. FirstNet looks forward to our continued partnership with the state’s public safety community.”

AT&T, in a public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority, will build, operate and maintain a highly secure wireless broadband communications network for California’s public safety community at no cost to the state. The FirstNet network will drive innovation and create an entire system of modernized devices, apps and tools for first responders.

“We applaud Governor Brown for recognizing the benefits of opting in to the First Responder Network Authority and AT&T state plan for California. We also acknowledge CalOES Director Mark Ghilarducci and his staff, who have worked tirelessly to ensure that AT&T’s state plan will provide California’s first responders with the best tools and technology innovations when responding to emergencies,” said Ken McNeely, president, AT&T Pacific Region. “As we have seen with the unprecedented 2017 wildfires, first responders tackle significant challenges every day. California has asked for and deserves a dedicated communications network to help first responders save lives. AT&T is proud to work alongside California to deliver this best-in-class network dedicated to public safety.”

FirstNet will transform the way California’s fire, police, EMS and other public safety personnel communicate and share information. Specifically, it will:

Connect first responder subscribers to the critical information they need in a highly secure manner when handling day-to-day operations, responding to emergencies and supporting large events like marathons and professional football games.
Create an efficient communications experience for public safety personnel in agencies and jurisdictions across the state during natural disasters like earthquakes, severe thunderstorms and catastrophic wildfires that have devastated communities this year.
Enhance network coverage across California’s diverse landscape, benefitting first responders and residents throughout the state’s urban, coastal and rural areas and on tribal lands.
Provide first responders with access to dedicated network assets that can be deployed for additional coverage and support when needed, especially during wildfire season.
Drive infrastructure investments and create jobs across the state.
Usher in a new wave of dependable innovations for first responders. This will create an ever-evolving set of life-saving tools for public safety, including public safety apps, specialized devices and Internet of Things technologies. It also carries the potential for future integration with NextGen 911 networks and Smart Cities’ infrastructure.
The First Responder Network Authority and AT&T designed California’s network solution with direct input from the state’s public safety community. The First Responder Network Authority has been meeting with California’s officials and public safety personnel for several years to address their unique communication needs. These include:

Expanding coverage for rural and tribal areas.
Offering feature-rich services at competitive prices.
Integrating assets from the LA-RICS early builder project.

The decision enables the First Responder Network Authority and AT&T to begin offering an entirely new wireless ecosystem for public safety communications. California’s first responder subscribers now have priority and preemption on the FirstNet network for voice and data communications, 24/7/365 – like their mission.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 28, 2017

News Media Contact:
Chrissie Coon (571) 599-0493

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