Mississippi to Transform Communications for Public Safety; Governor Bryant Approves Buildout Plan for First Responder Network

RESTON, Va., Dec. 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Mississippi is modernizing communications technology for its first responders. Today, Governor Phil Bryant accepted 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 technologies that will help Mississippi's first responders save lives and protect communities.

"I've determined this is the best deal with the least amount of risk for taxpayers," said Governor Bryant. "It will provide our first responders with the tools they need to keep Mississippians safe."

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 Mississippi'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 Mississippi'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 the Mississippi State Fair held in Jackson that attracts almost 730,000 visitors annually.
• Create an efficient communications experience for public safety personnel in agencies and jurisdictions across the state during natural disasters, such as severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes and flash floods.
• Enhance and expand network coverage across Mississippi'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 Mississippi's network solution with direct input from the state and its public safety community. The Authority has worked directly with the states' Wireless Communication Commission to ensure that the state's unique communications needs were addressed, including:

• Expanding rural coverage beyond what is currently available from commercial carriers.
• Providing quick access to deployable network assets.
• Offering feature-rich services at competitive prices.

"First responders deserve the most reliable and resilient network available today and Governor Bryant's decision to join FirstNet will bring them just that," says First Responder Network Authority CEO Mike Poth. "Public safety across the Magnolia state will gain access to the broadband network specifically built to meet the demands of their mission. They will gain access to the coverage, speed and connectivity needed to power the most advanced life-saving tools."

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

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.

"Thanks to Governor Bryant's opt-in decision, first responders in Mississippi will now have access to the pioneering communications tools made possible with FirstNet," said Mayo Flynt, president, AT&T Mississippi. "It's an honor to help bring FirstNet to Mississippi and to its dedicated public safety community." 

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 (FirstNet) 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.

SOURCE AT&T Inc.