Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe has signed a letter approving AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) and FirstNet plan to offer a wireless broadband setup to the Commonwealth’s public safety community. With this development, Virginia will become the first state in the nation to “opt-in” to FirstNet and get advanced technologies that will assist first responders protect communities and save lives.
The details
Governor Terry McAuliffe reported that he is delighted that Virginia becomes the first state in the country to opt in to this plan that will help their first responders connect during emergency. While this is just the start of the process, he looks forward to the coordinated measures among Virginia, AT&T and FirstNet, to offer public safety officials with unique new technologies that will assist them keep Virginians safe.
AT&T and FirstNet will build, maintain and operate a highly protected wireless broadband communications network for state’s public safety community for the imminent 25 years. The FirstNet network will offer innovation and develop an entire arrangement of modernized devices, tools and apps for first responders.
This is one of the most technologically advanced and economical decisions Governor McAuliffe will finalize for the residents and the Commonwealth’s first responders they serve. The setup will change the way Virginia’s police, fire, emergency management, EMS and other public safety staffs communicate and share information.
Particularly, AT&T and FirstNet will link first responder subscribers to the major information they require in a secure manner when managing day-to-day activities, responding to emergencies and supporting large events. It will also develop an efficient communications involvement for public safety staff in jurisdictions and agencies across Virginia during natural disasters.
AT&T and FirstNet will work to improve network coverage in countryside areas. This will help residents and first responders in areas such as Southside Virginia, Southwest Virginia, the Eastern Shore and more. Also, the project will attract infrastructure investments and result in new jobs across the state.
