Connecticut to Transform Communications for Public Safety; Governor Malloy Approves Buildout Plan for First Responder Network

HARTFORD, Conn., Dec. 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Connecticut is modernizing communications technology for its first responders. Today, Governor Dan Malloy announced his decision to accept the First Responder Network Authority* and AT&T** plan to deliver a wireless broadband network to the state's public safety community. FirstNet will bring advanced tools that will help Connecticut's first responders save lives and protect communities.

"When disaster strikes, communication is critical to the safety of Connecticut residents," Governor Malloy said. "After careful analysis and consideration of the FirstNet proposal, it became clear that opting in was in the best interests of our state and our first responders. This network will enhance communications for Connecticut's first responders by providing priority access during disasters or emergencies."

AT&T, in a public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority, will build, operate and maintain a highly secure wireless broadband communications network for Connecticut's public safety community at no cost to the state. The FirstNet network will drive innovation and create an entire system of modernized devices, apps and tools for first responders.

FirstNet will transform the way Connecticut's fire, police, EMS and other public safety personnel communicate and share information. Specifically, it will:

• Connect first responder subscribers to the critical information they need in a highly secure manner when handling day-to-day operations, responding to emergencies and supporting large events like Sailfest in New London that attracts close to 200,000 spectators.
• Create an efficient communications experience for public safety personnel in agencies and jurisdictions across the state during natural disasters, such as severe storms, hurricanes, blizzards and flooding.   
• Enhance and expand network coverage across Connecticut's diverse landscape, benefitting first responders and residents throughout the state's rural areas. 
• Provide first responders with access to dedicated network assets that can be deployed for additional coverage and support when needed.
• Drive infrastructure investments and create jobs across the state.
• Usher in a new wave of dependable innovations for first responders. This will create an ever-evolving set of life-saving tools for public safety, including public safety apps, specialized devices and Internet of Things technologies. It also carries the potential for future integration with NextGen 911 networks and Smart Cities' infrastructure.

The First Responder Network Authority and AT&T designed Connecticut's network solution with direct input from the state and its public safety community. This helped to address the state's unique communications needs, which include:

• Considering communication needs on and along waterways.
• Rapidly deploying interoperable, feature-rich services across the New England region that allow for seamless coordination and use of devices and deployable network assets.
• Providing highly secure services that fit within the state's cybersecurity framework.

"Governor Malloy is putting public safety first with his decision to join FirstNet," said First Responder Network Authority CEO Mike Poth. "As a result, Connecticut's first responders now will have access to their own dedicated broadband network to help them communicate, coordinate and share information during emergencies." 

By opting in to FirstNet, fire, police, EMS and other public safety workers subscribing to the service will have dedicated access to the information they need, when and where they need it – 24/7/365, like their mission.

The decision enables the First Responder Network Authority and AT&T to begin offering an entirely new wireless ecosystem for public safety communications. Connecticut's first responder subscribers will have immediate access to quality of service, priority and preemption to voice and data across the FirstNet network.

"We're honored to bring FirstNet to Connecticut and help transform public safety communications within the state," said John Emra, president, AT&T Connecticut. "I'd like to thank Governor Malloy for his leadership and commitment to public safety. His decision will not only usher in a new era of public safety for his state, but it will also give Connecticut's first responders immediate access to the critical communications tools they need to keep themselves and those they serve safe."

For more information on FirstNet, please go to FirstNet.gov/mediakit and att.com/FirstResponderNews. For more about the value FirstNet will bring to public safety, please go to FirstNet.com.

*About The First Responder Network Authority
The First Responder Network Authority is an independent authority within the U.S. Department of Commerce. Chartered in 2012, its mission is to ensure the building, deployment, and operation of the nationwide, broadband network that equips first responders to save lives and protect U.S. communities. Learn more at FirstNet.gov/mediakit and follow the First Responder Network Authority (@FirstNetGov) on Facebook and Twitter for updates.

**About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) helps millions around the globe connect with leading entertainment, business, mobile and high speed internet services. We have the nation's largest and most reliable network*** and the best global coverage of any U.S. wireless provider. We're one of the world's largest providers of pay TV. We have TV customers in the U.S. and 11 Latin American countries. Nearly 3.5 million companies, from small to large businesses around the globe, turn to AT&T for our highly secure smart solutions. 

AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc. Additional information about AT&T products and services is available at about.att.com. Follow our news on Twitter at @ATT, on Facebook at facebook.com/att and on YouTube at youtube.com/att.

© 2017 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, the Globe logo and other marks are trademarks and service marks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

***Coverage not avail. everywhere. Based on overall coverage in U.S. licensed/roaming areas. Reliability based on voice and data performance from independent 3^rd party data.

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SOURCE AT&T Inc.