FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 1, 2017

Governor Mary Fallin Signs Agreement Establishing Broadband Network for State’s First Responders

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today signed an opt-in letter with FirstNet (First Responder Network Authority) and AT&T to strengthen public safety and increase emergency preparedness by officially making Oklahoma a part of the National Broadband Network.

"Today is a good day for Oklahoma as we opt in to FirstNet and give our first responders the broadband network they need to excel at their jobs,” said Fallin.

The FirstNet network will transform the way Oklahoma’s first responders communicate and share information by providing them with access to the modernized devices, apps, tools and other resources they need to operate faster, safer and more effectively.

Established in 2012 by Congress, FirstNet was conceived to create and deploy the first-ever broadband network for use by public safety agencies nationwide. AT&T, in a public-private partnership with FirstNet, will build, operate and maintain a highly secure wireless broadband communications network for Oklahoma’s public safety agencies at no additional cost to the state.

Over 200 emergency management, medical, law enforcement, and fire official representatives attended the Oklahoma Public Safety Broadband Network’s (OKPSBN) initial consultation with FirstNet. Feedback from public safety representatives helped determine the state’s network requirements. FirstNet and AT&T designed Oklahoma’s network solution around their input as well as the conditions set by OKPSBN.

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