California to Transform Communications for Public Safety; Governor Brown Approves Buildout Plan for First Responder Network

RESTON, Va., Dec. 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --  Governor Edmund G. "Jerry" Brown Jr. today announced his decision to accept the First Responder Network Authority* and AT&T** plan to design and build a wireless broadband network. FirstNet will bring advanced technologies to help California's first responders save lives and protect communities.

"Today's decision by Governor Brown puts reliable communications and cutting-edge technology in the hands of California's first responders," said First Responder Network Authority CEO Mike Poth. "FirstNet in California will help deliver innovation and interoperability across the Golden State's diverse landscape ? including its rural, urban and coastal areas. FirstNet looks forward to our continued partnership with the state's public safety community."

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 California'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.

"We applaud Governor Brown for recognizing the benefits of opting in to the First Responder Network Authority and AT&T state plan for California. We also acknowledge CalOES Director Mark Ghilarducci and his staff, who have worked tirelessly to ensure that AT&T's state plan will provide California's first responders with the best tools and technology innovations when responding to emergencies," said Ken McNeely, president, AT&T Pacific Region. "As we have seen with the unprecedented 2017 wildfires, first responders tackle significant challenges every day. California has asked for and deserves a communications network to help first responders save lives. AT&T is proud to work alongside California to build this interoperable broadband network dedicated to public safety, and we will continue to work with Governor Brown and OES to address the state's needs."

FirstNet will transform the way California'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 marathons and professional football games.
• Create an efficient communications experience for public safety personnel in agencies and jurisdictions across the state during natural disasters like earthquakes, severe thunderstorms and catastrophic wildfires that have devastated communities this year.
• Enhance network coverage across California's diverse landscape, benefitting first responders and residents throughout the state's urban, coastal and rural areas and on tribal lands.
• Provide first responders with access to dedicated network assets that can be deployed for additional coverage and support when needed, especially during wildfire season.
• 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 California's network solution with direct input from the state's public safety community. The First Responder Network Authority has been meeting with California's officials and public safety personnel for several years to address their unique communication needs. These include:  

• Expanding coverage for rural and tribal areas.
• Offering feature-rich services at competitive prices.
• Integrating assets from the LA-RICS early builder project.

The decision enables the First Responder Network Authority and AT&T to begin offering an entirely new wireless ecosystem for public safety communications. California's first responder subscribers now have priority and preemption on the FirstNet network for voice and data communications, 24/7/365 ? like their mission.

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.

SOURCE AT&T Inc.