Intelligent CIO North America Issue 08 | Page 70

INTELLIGENT BRANDS // Mobile Technology

FirstNet Network expands across New Mexico to advance public safety communications

New Mexico ’ s first responders are getting a major boost in their wireless communications with the addition of new , purpose-built FirstNet cell sites and other network enhancements . This new infrastructure is a part of the FirstNet network expansion taking place across the state , bringing increased coverage , capacity and capabilities for public safety .

FirstNet is the only nationwide , highspeed broadband communications platform dedicated to and purpose-built for America ’ s first responders and the extended public safety community . It ’ s built with AT & T in a public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority ( FirstNet Authority ) – an independent agency within the federal government . That ’ s why AT & T has a responsibility unlike any other network provider . And unlike commercial networks , FirstNet provides real , dedicated mobile broadband when needed with always-on priority and preemption for first responders .
This helps ensure New Mexico first responders connect to the critical information they need every day and in every emergency .
Bob Digneo , External Affairs Director , AT & T New Mexico , said : “ New Mexico ’ s first responders deserve dependable coverage , and with FirstNet , they have access to the reliable connection they need to do their jobs and help keep their community and themselves safe .
“ Working with public safety we ’ ve made the services we offer in conjunction with FirstNet nimble , adaptable and ready to scale for even the most severe situations as we ’ re seeing currently with COVID-19 .
“ We are proud to support our first responders by providing innovative new tools to help them respond to incidents more quickly , safely and effectively across the state of New Mexico .”
In addition to further elevating public safety ’ s connected experience in support of their emergency response , this new infrastructure will also help improve the overall coverage experience for AT & T wireless customers in the area .
Residents , visitors and businesses can take advantage of the AT & T spectrum bands , as well as Band 14 when additional capacity is available .
“ FirstNet is a dedicated broadband platform for public safety , by public safety ,” said FirstNet Authority CEO Edward Parkinson . “ We worked handin-hand with New Mexico ’ s public safety community to understand their needs for the network . And these network enhancements are a prime example of how that input and feedback is becoming reality . We look forward to supporting New Mexico ’ s first responders ’ use of FirstNet to help them save lives and protect communities .” p
70 INTELLIGENTCIO NORTH AMERICA www . intelligentcio . com