Sandoval OKs plan to improve first-responder communications

By Mick Akers

Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017 | 2 a.m.

To improve how first responders interact during crises, Gov. Brian Sandoval has approved a plan to implement an advanced wireless broadband network.

FirstNet and AT&T are at the helm of a public-private partnership, which will make Nevada the 15th state to implement the program.

AT&T will build, operate and maintain a secure wireless broadband communications network for Nevada’s public safety community at no cost to the state. The FirstNet network will create a comprehensive system with up-to-date devices, apps and tools for first responders.

“Public safety is of the highest concern,” Sandoval said. “Increasing the safety of our residents, visitors and first responders through FirstNet was the right choice. From volunteer emergency responders in rural communities to those on the front lines in populous areas, our public safety community deserves access to the cutting-edge technologies they need to get the job done.”

Nevada Highway Patrol Sgt. Mike Edgell said the program will improve the way emergency responders communicate.

“The partnership brings new technologies supported by a first-rate network dedicated to emergency responders to enhance our capabilities during a crisis,” Edgell said. “It will also be a helpful tool in the normal course of business and during large-scale events.”

FirstNet and AT&T collaborated with the Nevada Public Safety Communications Committee, which developed recommendations. First responders outlined their unique needs, such as ensuring reliable communications among local, state and federal jurisdictions in all emergencies, no matter the severity.

“Gov. Sandoval’s decision to join FirstNet demonstrates his strong commitment to public safety,” FirstNet CEO Mike Poth said “This decision puts 21st century technology over a modern, broadband platform in the hands of the state’s first responders, giving them access to the speed, bandwidth and priority services they need.”

The new wireless ecosystem will allow the state’s first responders to have priority access to voice and data services across the existing nationwide AT&T LTE network by the end of the year.

In addition to driving infrastructure investments and creating more public safety apps, specialized devices and Internet of Things technologies, the system:

• Connects first responders to the crucial, secure information when handling day-to-day operations, responding to emergencies and supporting large events such as the Las Vegas New Year’s Eve celebration.

• Creates an efficient communications experience for public safety personnel in agencies and jurisdictions across the state. This will support emergency response during natural disasters such as the floods in Washoe, Douglas and Elko counties, as well as seasonal wildfires throughout the state.

• Expands network coverage from the populous Las Vegas Valley to rural and mountainous regions of the state.