On Tuesday, Gov. Jay Inslee and Oregon Gov. Kate Brown announced their states will be the next two members of the First Responder Network Authority, known as FirstNet.
That system, which is operated through a partnership with AT&T, is intended to deliver dependable wireless broadband internet connections to public safety community members. Earlier this year, Washington and Oregon announced a competitive submission process intended to make sure that the unique requirements for public safety in the Pacific Northwest are met.
After reviewing submissions, state officials settled on the FirstNet State Plans provided by AT&T. A press release from Gov. Inslee’s office noted that AT&T expressed a commitment to make additional signal tower investments in both states, which helped to tip the scales in their favor. Both Washington and Oregon will now work with the communication company in order to determine where the new towers should be located.
"Whether we’re responding to wildfires in eastern Washington or floods in western Washington, our first responders must have a reliable communications network and this process was about ensuring we get them the best service possible,” Inslee said in the press release. “Washington’s Interoperability Executive Council and representatives on the RFP team provided critical feedback to us during this process. I am grateful for their work, and look forward to continuing ahead with AT&T to ensure our first responders have the best tools available to them in times of crisis."
FirstNet, which will be operated through a public-private partnership with AT&T, will build, operate and maintain the secure wireless broadband communications network at no cost to the states. Governors Inslee and Brown have expressed hope that the effort will help spark additional innovation to help save lives and properties during emergencies.
"Our states' first responders deserve the best resources we can get for them, and by first working to identify our needs and review all of our options during a competitive process, we were able to confidently conclude FirstNet is the best choice for this service," Brown said in the release. "The work of the State Interoperability Executive Council, our bi-state RFP teams, and our financial and legal review teams have been invaluable to lead us to this conclusion.”
