Colorado Governor Hickenlooper Approves Buildout Plan for First Responder Network

“We are opting in to allow FirstNet to make an investment in Colorado that promises to make our state more resilient against threats to our safety”

Reston, Va., Dec. 18, 2017 – Colorado is advancing communications capabilities for first responders. Today, Governor John Hickenlooper announced his decision to accept the First Responder Network Authority* and AT&T** plan to deliver a wireless broadband network to the state’s public safety community. FirstNet will bring advanced technologies that will help Colorado’s first responders statewide save lives and protect communities.

“We are opting in to allow FirstNet to make an investment in Colorado that promises to make our state more resilient against threats to our safety,” said Governor John Hickenlooper. “We, together with Colorado’s Governing Board, are confident that the investment will not only benefit public safety, but also provide much needed telecommunications infrastructure in rural areas of our state.”

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 Colorado’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 need to connect our first responders now. From rural to urban communities, public safety professionals throughout Colorado put their lives at risk every day responding to disasters and critical situations. That is why the state of Colorado spent years visiting with public safety teams statewide, thoroughly reviewing solutions for Colorado,” said Eric Tade, Chief of Denver Fire and Chair of the board reviewing the state’s options. “Our conclusion: opting in to FirstNet is the best solution for Colorado.”

Colorado is the 40th state or territory to announce its decision to opt in to the First Responder Network Authority and AT&T plan, and the 11th state to do so after evaluating proposals from both First Responder Network Authority/AT&T and other potential vendors. This decision brings public safety the overall best value solution with the least risk..

“FirstNet has worked closely with Colorado’s dedicated public safety community and the state of Colorado to ensure the best possible plan for the state, its first responders and residents,” said FirstNet Responder Network Authority CEO Mike Poth. “I want to thank Gov. Hickenlooper for his thoughtful, thorough decision. Colorado has been on the forefront of testing public safety broadband, and FirstNet and AT&T are excited to continue this partnership to deliver innovation for the brave men and women on the front lines.”

The decision enables the First Responder Network Authority and AT&T to begin creating an entirely new wireless ecosystem for public safety communications. Colorado’s first responder subscribers will have immediate access to quality of service, priority and preemption to voice and data across the FirstNet network.

By opting in to FirstNet, fire, police, EMS and other public safety workers subscribing to the service will have dedicated access to the information they need, when and where they need it – 24/7/365, like their mission.

“We applaud Gov. Hickenlooper for recognizing the benefits of opting in to the First Responder Network Authority and AT&T state plan for Colorado. It’s been a very thorough process to ensure Colorado’s first responders have the best tools to respond to crises,” said Roberta Robinette, president, AT&T Colorado. “From wildfires and snowstorms to crowded events in downtown Denver, public safety tackles significant challenges every day. They have asked for and deserve a dedicated communications network to help them do what they do best: save lives. And we’re proud to work with Colorado to deliver this much-needed network.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 18, 2017

News Media Contact:
April Ward (202) 853-5219 or (571) 665-6187