[From FirstNet]

Earlier today at the Department of Commerce headquarters, Secretary Wilbur Ross announced the selection of AT&T to build the First Responder network, the first nationwide wireless broadband network dedicated to America’s first responders.

About the award

This contract award marks a significant investment in the communications infrastructure that public safety desperately needs for day-to-day operations, disaster response and recovery, and securing large events.

The high-speed network will be deployed specifically for the millions of public safety users in all 50 states, five U.S. territories and the District of Columbia, including those serving rural communities and tribal lands. The network will modernize first responders’ communications and deliver specialized features that are not available to them on wireless networks today.

At the event, FirstNet was joined by Randall Stephenson, AT&T chairman and CEO, who said, “We are honored to work with FirstNet to build a network for America’s police, firefighters and EMS that is second to none. This is an unprecedented public-private investment in infrastructure that makes America a leader and public safety a national priority.”

As FirstNet Board Chair Sue Swenson noted in our news release. “This public-private partnership is a major step forward for the public safety community as we begin building the broadband network they fought for and deserve. FirstNet and AT&T will deliver high-speed connectivity to help millions of first responders operate faster, safer, and more effectively when lives are on the line.”

Agreement terms

The following are high-level terms of the 25-year agreement announced today between FirstNet and AT&T:

·         FirstNet will provide 20 MHz of high-value, telecommunications spectrum and success-based payments of $6.5 billion over the next five years to support the Network buildout – FirstNet’s funding was raised from previous FCC spectrum auctions;

·         AT&T will spend about $40 billion over the life of the contract to build, deploy, operate and maintain the network, with a focus on ensuring robust coverage for public safety;

·         Additionally, AT&T will connect FirstNet users to the company’s telecommunications network assets, valued at more than $180 billion.

This unique partnership brings together FirstNet, public safety and a global technology team with a proven track record and commitment to the public safety community. Together, FirstNet and AT&T will move with precision and urgency to deliver this much-needed infrastructure to first responders.

Learn more and help spread the word

Announcement resources are available on our website, including:

·         FirstNet’s news release

·         The award infographic

·         Frequently asked questions

We also invite you and your teams to participate in a special webinar for PSAC members on April 4 at 2 p.m. ET. We will send a calendar invite with participation information to you.

As always, if you have questions or need help, please contact your regional lead or reply to this email. We look forward to working with you as we take next steps to deploy the network and deliver on the promise of FirstNet.