During a recent “Mission Critical Seminar” at Middlesex County Fire Academy, ATT showcased the benefits of FirstNet, the nation’s only nationwide, high-speed broadband communications platform built for America’s first responders and the extended public safety community.
As part of its public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority – an independent agency within the federal government, AT&T has moved quickly over the past five years to bring more coverage, boost capacity and drive new capabilities for New Jersey’s first responders and the communities they serve.
The April 6 event featured remarks from State Police leadership and FirstNet users from Ocean and Essex counties. FirstNet deployable assets were also on display, along with smartphones, tablets and other devices that keep first responders connected during emergencies.
And, as part of a focus on health and wellness of first responders, attendees learned more about the FirstNet Health & Wellness Coalition, including the ‘ROG the Dog’ assisted therapy animals, a fleet of trained Labradoodles who specialize in animal assisted therapy for first responders on the front lines.
First responders in more than 240 communities across New Jersey are already using FirstNet. Since it was launched in 2017, AT&T has increased its coverage to cover the entire state. With Band 14 deployed on more than 1,000 sites statewide, first responders in every county can benefit from the dedicated coverage and capacity it provides when they need it.
The FCC estimates more than 10,000 lives could be saved each year if first responders were able to reach callers just 1 minute faster. And since 80% of wireless calls take place indoors, in-building dedicated public safety connectivity is essential.
AT&T is collaborating with the Safer Building Coalition, the nation’s leading industry advocacy group focused on advancing policies, ideas, and technologies that ensure effective in-building communications capabilities for public safety personnel and the people they serve.
Last fall, AT&T New Jersey President Joseph Divis discussed the carrier’s FirstNet technology on NJBIA’s ‘Minding Your Business.’ A clip explaining more can be found here.
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