According to a recent announcement, the doors to more than 5,300 AT&T retail stores across the U.S. are now open to verified first responders interested in signing themselves up for FirstNet service. This makes the technology locally available to first responders. First responders also have the option to sign up online.
FirstNet is a nationwide public safety communications platform dedicated to first responders. Being built with AT&T, in public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority), FirstNet is bringing public safety a technology upgrade to help them connect to the critical information they need in emergency situations.
“FirstNet is public safety’s network. It’s giving them access to tools they’ve never had before – tools that can transform their emergency response,” said Chris Sambar, SVP, AT&T FirstNet. “And now, no matter where they live or work, first responders can easily subscribe to their network. This means public safety nationwide will no longer be limited by outdated or unreliable communications capabilities.”
Some EMS, fire and law enforcement agencies don’t provide their personnel with wireless service plans or devices. So, the launch of FirstNet mobile plans for Subscriber Paid Users lets verified first responders sign up for FirstNet service under a personal account. This helps ensure first responders everywhere can access the power of FirstNet. Both career and volunteer first responders can qualify.
“According to the latest findings from the National Fire Protection Association, 70% of firefighters in the U.S. are volunteer,” said Ron Oettel, Fire Chief, Lititz, Penn. “That’s more than 800,000 of us who are often the first to respond to emergencies – fires, medical crises and disasters, among others – in small and rural communities across the country. Having the best tools possible is critical. And FirstNet just made it easier for us to have the best.”
Regardless of whether they sign up as Subscriber Paid Users or become Agency Paid Users, all first responder users will have access to the same critical capabilities of FirstNet. Users can receive a FirstNet SIM card connecting them to the physically separate, dedicated FirstNet core.
“FirstNet is for every responder. Whether you are a career or volunteer member of the public safety community, FirstNet is your network,” said Mike Poth, CEO, FirstNet Authority. “The launch of the Subscriber Paid offer shows that FirstNet is doing exactly what it’s designed to do – support our first responders when and where they need it. Now, in communities across America, we can help ensure that this groundbreaking technology quickly gets into the hands of any first responder to help them save lives and protect communities.”
Ken Briodagh is a writer and editor with more than a decade of experience under his belt. He is in love with technology and if he had his druthers would beta test everything from shoe phones to flying cars.Edited by
Ken Briodagh
