“Governor Greitens’ decision to opt-in to FirstNet is the right choice for our state and for our first responders. We are pleased to work with AT&T and FirstNet to ensure that the public safety community gets to use and benefit from the latest technological innovations,” said Missouri Director of Public Safety Charles “Drew” Juden III.
RESTON, Va., Nov. 11, 2017 – Missouri is advancing communications capabilities for first responders. Today, Governor Eric Greitens announced his decision to accept the FirstNet 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 Missouri’s first responders save lives and protect communities.
“Governor Greitens’ decision to opt-in to FirstNet is the right choice for our state and for our first responders. We are pleased to work with AT&T and FirstNet to ensure that the public safety community gets to use and benefit from the latest technological innovations,” said Missouri Director of Public Safety Charles “Drew” Juden III.
AT&T, in a public-private partnership with FirstNet, will build, operate and maintain a highly secure wireless broadband communications network for Missouri’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.
Following an in-depth evaluation of the proposed AT&T and FirstNet plan, as well as proposals by other potential vendors, Missouri selected the FirstNet and AT&T public-private partnership, bringing public safety the overall best value solution with the least risk.
FirstNet will transform the way Missouri’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 the Missouri State Fair, which draws daily crowds close to 30,000.
Create an efficient communications experience for public safety personnel in agencies and jurisdictions across the state during natural disasters and severe weather events like the floods that caused 24 Missouri counties to be declared natural disaster areas.
Enhance network coverage across Missouri’s diverse landscape, benefitting first responders and residents throughout the state’s rural and tribal areas.
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.
FirstNet and AT&T designed Missouri’s network solution with direct input from the state’s public safety community. FirstNet has been meeting with Missouri’s officials and public safety personnel for several years to address their unique communication needs. These include expanding coverage beyond what is currently available, particularly in rural areas and along jurisdictional borders, as well as making dedicated network assets available that could be deployed as needed to support public safety’s needs.
“Governor Greitens’ decision demonstrates his strong commitment to public safety throughout the Show-Me State,” said FirstNet CEO Mike Poth. “We look forward to delivering the interoperable, high speed network that will help first responders share information and communicate seamlessly when saving lives and protecting communities across Missouri.”
The decision enables FirstNet and AT&T to begin creating an entirely new wireless ecosystem for public safety communications. Missouri’s first responder subscribers will have immediate access to quality of service and priority to voice and data across the existing nationwide AT&T LTE network.
Preemption for primary users over the AT&T LTE network is expected by year-end. This means fire, police, EMS and other public safety workers will have dedicated access to the network when and where they need it – 24/7/365, like their mission.
“The dedication of Governor Greitens and his staff to first responders was readily apparent in their opt-in considerations, as well as in their decision. It’s a pleasure to work with an administration whose commitment to public safety is so closely aligned with our own,” said John Sondag, president of AT&T Missouri. “AT&T is honored to bring this dedicated, interoperable public safety broadband network to Missouri, and connect its public safety community to advanced tools that will help save and preserve lives.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 11, 2017
News Media Contact:
Chrissie Coon (571) 599-0493
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