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AT&T to build broadband network dedicated to first responders

By Mike Bambach
Emergency responders will have access to a nationwide wireless broadband network that AT&T will build in partnership with the First Responder Network Authority. Photo courtesy of FirstNet
Emergency responders will have access to a nationwide wireless broadband network that AT&T will build in partnership with the First Responder Network Authority. Photo courtesy of FirstNet

March 30 (UPI) -- First responders soon will be working with a broadband safety network, more than a decade after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

AT&T and the First Responder Network Authority are partnering on the first wireless network dedicated to police, firefghters and emergency medical services, the Commerce Department announced Thursday.

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"Today is a landmark day for public safety across the nation," said Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross. "FirstNet is a critical infrastructure project that will give our first responders the communications tools they need to keep America safe and secure."

FirstNet addresses a key recommendation of the 9/11 Commission: "the construction of a nationwide, interoperable broadband network."

The wireless network will cover all 50 states, five U.S. territories and the District of Columbia, including rural communities and tribal lands.

FirstNet will spend $6.5 billion in the public-private partnership over the next five years, providing 20 MHz of telecommunications spectrum. AT&T will spend about $40 billion to build, deploy, operate and maintain the network.

"It's a sign of the ability of public-private partnership to drive innovation," said White House press secretary Sean Spicer.

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The project is expected to create 10,000 jobs.

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