The US Air Force has selected FirstNet, built with AT&T, to deliver reliable, always-on priority communications to its public safety personnel and for first responders pre-emption on 15 bases across the country.
The agreement struck between the Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC) and AT&T provides for the delivery of FirstNet connectivity for 21 years: the remaining life of the public-private partnership between the US government and AT&T.
Modernizing communications is a top priority for the US Air Force and the Department of Defense. The Air Force is delivering on this strategy by investing to improve network coverage and adopting FirstNet initially across 15 bases while it considers expanding FirstNet accessibility to others.
FirstNet offers a wide range of mission-centric capabilities to support communications among base first responders and public safety personnel.
It supports reliable, secure and interoperable communications among on and off-base public safety personnel when collaborating to mitigate incidents that threaten the safety of airmen and the general public.
FirstNet is built to public safety’s strict specifications and requirements. The FirstNet network comes with significant features, functionality and a dedicated lane of connectivity for the Air Force’s military and public safety community to help them connect to critical information when they need it.
In addition, with FirstNet, these US Air Force bases will have access to a dedicated nationwide fleet of 100 plus land-based and airborne portable cell sites stationed across the country to provide connectivity during significant events in support of public safety’s mission. These critical response assets are available 24/7 at no additional charge.
Lance Spencer, Client Executive Vice President – Defense, AT&T Public Sector and FirstNet, said: “We aim to be the network provider of choice as the Air Force moves more deliberately toward consuming advanced communications capabilities. It’s an honor to deliver FirstNet to support base personnel and first responders to help ensure the safety of each base and its surrounding community.”
Click below to share this article