FirstNet network celebrates momentous week for public safety with first 5 states

Arkansas, Iowa, Kentucky, Virginia and Wyoming Opt-in to Nationwide Network to Transform Communications for First Responders

Arkansas, Iowa, Kentucky, Virginia and Wyoming are the first 5 states to join the FirstNet network. This is the first-ever nationwide broadband network and technology ecosystem being delivered by FirstNet and AT&T* to specifically meet the communications needs of America’s public safety community.

“This has been a momentous week for the FirstNet network,” said FirstNet CEO Mike Poth. “Governors Hutchinson, Reynolds, Bevin, McAuliffe and Mead are taking critical steps to fulfill the final recommendations from the 9/11 Commission. This decision will help ensure their states’ first responders have the communications capabilities they need without delay. And it’s a tremendous example of how the federal government, state governments and the private sector can work together for the true benefit of the public safety community and the citizens they bravely serve.”

With their decisive actions over the past week, Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe and Wyoming Governor Matthew Mead are equipping first responders with modern communication tools for every day and every emergency.

“Arkansas, Iowa, Kentucky, Virginia and Wyoming are leading the way to transform how public safety communicates,” said Chris Sambar, senior vice president, AT&T – FirstNet. “The need to keep first responders safe and provide them with the tools that will help them protect people and communities is something we can all get behind. We’re honored to work with each of these states. And we’re 100% committed to the mission ahead.”

States and territories have until mid-December to make their final decisions. But the sooner a decision is made, the sooner FirstNet and AT&T can deliver specialized services to their public safety community.

For more information on FirstNet, please visit FirstNet.gov/mediakit and att.com/FirstResponderNews. For more about the value FirstNet will bring to public safety, please visit FirstNet.com.

About FirstNet

The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) is an independent authority within the U.S. Department of Commerce, overseen by a 15 member Board. Chartered in 2012, its mission is to ensure the building, deployment, and operation of the nationwide, broadband network that equips first responders to save lives and protect U.S. communities. Learn more at FirstNet.gov/mediakit and follow FirstNet (@FirstNetGov) on Facebook and Twitter for updates.