Our thoughts remain deeply committed to Central Texas as search and recovery efforts continue after the catastrophic flooding. As public safety’s partner, the FirstNet®, Built with AT&T team is on the ground to help ensure first responders and those essential to their operations have the dedicated connectivity they require.
FirstNet is America’s public safety network. And we have a commitment unlike any other to deliver for this critical community. With the dedicated, nationwide FirstNet fleet of 180+ portable network assets exclusively available for public safety’s use, we’re giving first responders a level of support that’s far beyond anything they’ve ever seen:
- The FirstNet network is operating as designed across the region, delivering first responders always-on priority and preemption for their critical talk, text and data.
- The FirstNet Response Operations Group™ (ROG) – led by former first responders – is on the ground and guiding the deployment of dedicated FirstNet assets and other solutions based on public safety’s needs.
- So far, public safety officials have made 10+ FirstNet emergency support requests, and FirstNet ROG is engaged to ensure they have the reliable communications they require.
- Assets on the ground include:
- Dedicated FirstNet Satellite Cell on Light Trucks (SatCOLTs) and Compact Rapid Deployables (CRDs) – Mobile cell sites that connect via satellite and are not reliant on commercial power.
- AT&T Cell Booster Pros and other in-building solutions – deployed to public safety facilities to further indoor connectivity.
- AT&T LEO Cell Trailers (LCTs) and LEO Emergency Communication Portables (LECPs) – Deliver temporary cell service where traditional service is unavailable.
- FirstNet personnel are also embedded directly within the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Kerrville, collaborating alongside officials to help ensure rapid response.
In addition to both the FirstNet and AT&T commercial network operating normally, AT&T Network Disaster Recovery (NDR) – one of the largest in the industry – continues to bring in and deploy additional assets and specialized personnel as needed. As FirstNet ROG guides the deployment of public safety’s assets, AT&T NDR primarily serves as the “boots on the ground,” ensuring that FirstNet assets get placed where first responders need connectivity most.
FirstNet is designed to be second-to-none in an emergency, no matter where disasters strike. It’s why we see FirstNet as the most important wireless network in the country. We would like to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude to all first responders for their service. Our thoughts will remain with communities as they continue to recover and rebuild following this tragic flooding event.
