First Responders in Opt-in States/Territories See Immediate Benefits as Dec. 28^th Deadline Approaches

First responders deserve the best communications tools. And governors across the country keep delivering. Today, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts and North Dakota announced their decisions to opt in to FirstNet. That means more than 80% of America’s governors are now giving their first responders a meaningful new choice that will help them save lives and protect communities. One that meets their rigorous demands without delay.

FirstNet is the country’s first-ever nationwide public safety broadband network. It’s purpose-built with and for public safety to help them connect to the critical information they need every day and in every emergency.

“Our nation’s first responders risk it all to help us every day. So, we’re honored to bring them advanced communication tools that can help them stay safe and save lives,” said Chris Sambar, senior vice president, AT&T – FirstNet. “By opting in, governors don’t have to wait to give their first responders access to the critical benefits of FirstNet. And we expect that we’ll ultimately see 49 of the 50 states opt in to take advantage of the value and immediacy of our FirstNet solution.”

From east to west, north to south, states and territories agree that opting in is the best decision for their first responders. To date, the 45 states and territories that have joined are:

• Alabama

• Louisiana

• Oklahoma

• Alaska

• Maine

• Pennsylvania

• Arizona

• Maryland

• Puerto Rico

• Arkansas

• Massachusetts

• Rhode Island

• Colorado

• Michigan

• South Carolina

• Connecticut

• Minnesota

• South Dakota

• Delaware

• Missouri

• Tennessee

• Georgia

• Montana

• Texas

• Hawaii

• Nebraska

• U.S. Virgin Islands

• Idaho

• Nevada

• Utah

• Illinois

• New Jersey

• Vermont

• Indiana

• New Mexico

• Virginia

• Iowa

• North Carolina

• West Virginia

• Kansas

• North Dakota

• Wisconsin

• Kentucky

• Ohio

• Wyoming

New Hampshire remains the only state in the country to express its intention to opt out. States still reviewing their options have until Dec. 28 to opt in or out of the First Responder Network Authority and AT&T* FirstNet plan.

Decisions from the 3 Pacific territories of American Samoa, Guam and Northern Marianas Islands are not due until March 12, 2018.

AT&T and the First Responder Network Authority will continue to work closely with states and territories. We’ll provide any information or answer any questions they may have to help them make the best decision for their public safety communities.

FirstNet is the only wireless broadband network specially designed through consultation and feedback from first responders to ensure it meets their current and future technology needs.