The work of the N.C. Department of Information Technology is moving North Carolina first responders closer to having a communications system that will withstand disasters and other large-scale, disruptive events.
Gov. Roy Cooper recently decided to include North Carolina in the federal FirstNet network – a nationwide, multimillion-dollar, high-speed wireless network dedicated to serving only emergency workers. To date, 35 states have joined FirstNet, established by Congress in 2012 based on a recommendation from the federal 9/11 Commission. The system is designed to allow first responders to maintain contact when other communication systems fail.
The FirstNet program in North Carolina is housed within the Broadband Infrastructure Office of NCDIT and led by Red Grasso, a former firefighter. Grasso’s office has worked since 2014 with public safety and information technology stakeholders at the state, county and local levels to evaluate plans for North Carolina.
The state could have chosen to build its own network at state expense or opt into the plan negotiated by the federal government. After reviewing the work from Grasso’s office, the governor chose the federal option. The federal government will pay entirely for the construction and operation of the network.
“We must do all we can to make sure North Carolina is ready to respond to emergencies and keep the public safe,” Gov. Cooper said. “Communication is key in times of crisis, and this technology can help strengthen public safety by keeping our first responders connected.”
The program will also provide first responders access to modern communications devices, apps, tools and resources that will strengthen emergency services. AT&T is partnering with the FirstNet program to build the network. The company anticipates that within five years, the network will cover 99 percent of North Carolina’s population and at least 91 percent of its geography.
“First responders deserve a state-of-the-art communications system, and we believe this is the first step toward building that system,” said NCDIT Secretary and State Chief Information Officer Eric Boyette. “Ultimately, we will all be safer once this network is in place.”