CRANSTON — The R.I. Emergency Management Agency announced that the state will accept the plan from First Responder Network Authority and AT&T to provide wireless broadband for public-safety communications.
FirstNet — an independent authority within the federal Department of Commerce — developed the U.S. broadband network that helps first responders serve communities. The group is based in Reston, Va.
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About 40 states have opted into the network so far, a system which RIEMA Director Peter Gaynor says will ultimately keep everyone safer in case of the unthinkable.
“The safety of Rhode Island first responders is of the utmost importance — and state-of-the-art interoperable communications is a major component of that,” said Gaynor in a press release. “After carefully examining the findings, we concluded and made the recommendation to the governor that the plan put forth by FirstNet and its partner AT&T offered the lowest-risk, highest-value option for Rhode Island first responders.”
FirstNet was formed after the terrorist attacks on New York City in 2011. After the 9/11 Commission Report was released, a recommendation was made for a dedicated, national communications system for public-safety emergencies, according to the FirstNet website, identifying gaps in the current system. Legislation for creation of the unified, reliable network passed in 2012.
“It will be a force-multiplier for first responders, giving the public safety community the 21st-century communication tools it needs,” says the FirstNet website on the nationwide communications coverage.
Susan Shalhoub is a PBN contributor.
