First Responder Network Authority Weekly Update to the State and Territory Single Points of Contact (SPOC) – November 13, 2017
While the information contained in this news article was current and accurate when we posted it, it may not necessarily represent current WVOEMS policy or procedure. If you have any questions, please contact our office at 304-558-3956.
Posted: Wednesday, November 15, 2017 2:46 PM
First Responder Network Authority Weekly Update November 13, 2017
FirstNet News
- Utah opted in to the FirstNet network last week. Stay tuned for updates and watch the State Plans Dashboard map continue to develop at www.firstnet.gov.
- Last week, FirstNet CEO Mike Poth gave the keynote address at the International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE) Critical Communications Forum in Dallas, Texas. FirstNet staff also participated in a breakout session on smart cities.
- FirstNet hosted a webinar last week with public safety wireless communications leaders from 15 countries to provide an update and discuss similar programs in development around the world.
- FirstNet staff also provided a FirstNet update last week at the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Volunteer and Combination Officers' Symposium in Clearwater, Florida.
- The FirstNet tribal team attended the 18th Annual TribalNet Conference & Tradeshow last week in Glendale, Arizona.
- FirstNet also provided a FirstNet update last week at the Southern California Tribal Chairmen's Association meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada.
- Also last week, the tribal team held coverage review meetings with the Passamaquoddy Tribe in Indian Township, Maine, and the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas in Eagle Pass.
- This week, FirstNet will participate in the Alaska Municipal League Annual Conference in Anchorage; a meeting of the FloridaNet Executive Committee in Tampa; the Korea International Safety & Security Expo in Goyang, South Korea; and a meeting of the Department of Homeland Security's Emergency Communications Preparedness Center (ECPC) Steering Committee in Arlington, Virginia.
- NTIA is seeking peer reviewers for the State and Local Implementation Grant Program (SLIGP) 2.0 application process and is accepting peer reviewer resumes through mid-December 2017. Please visit this link for more information.
Media Watch
*The information provided is copied as-is from the media outlet source and is not edited by FirstNet. Links to non-Federal Government websites do not constitute endorsement of any product, service, organization, company, information provider, or content. Clicking on non-Department of Commerce hyperlinks will direct you to websites that are not under the Government's control.
Naples Daily News 11/9: Commentary: Public safety network delivers on accessibility, affordability
Since its creation, FirstNet has made tremendous strides toward making the vision of the network a reality. In March, FirstNet entered a public-private partnership with AT&T to build out the network. AT&T and FirstNet worked together to take years of data and input gathered from consultation with public safety officials to issue customized plans to every U.S. state and territory.
Newburgh Gazette 11/7: AT&T Flying COW deployed to Puerto Rico
http://newburghgazette.com/2017/11/07/at-t-flying-cow-deployed-to-puerto-rico/
LTE drones "hold a lot of potential" for FirstNet, the nationwide public safety network that AT&T is building under a contract with the federal government.
PA Homepage 11/6: Better Communication in Time of Emergency
http://www.pahomepage.com/news/better-communication-in-time-of-emergency/852539918
Schuylkill County officials say your emergency calls will now be handled with more efficiency. Pennsylvania joined a growing list of states across the nation that are now part of a broadband network for first responders. "Schuylkill County has a significant number of mountains[,] hills and valleys, [and] depending on where you were, you may not have clear communications," said John Matz, Schuylkill County EMA. To get around that, authorities would set up staging units to communicate with the county, but "First Net" a nationwide network that provides communications for the public safety community is mitigating that.
Web and Social Media
FirstNet's social media presence grew at its normal rate this week. Twitter gained 48 new followers, now at 8,070. Facebook has 1,988 followers. LinkedIn now has 3,251 followers. YouTube has 604 subscribers.
Do you have something you want to feature in the weekly update, such as a conference date, personnel announcement, or news article showcasing the work of your organization? Please send it to Outreach@firstnet.gov for possible inclusion in an upcoming update.
Kenzie Capece
Senior Outreach Advisor
First Responder Network Authority
12201 Sunrise Valley Dr. M/S 243
Reston, VA 20192
202-768-2542