Maine's first responder communications network to get upgrade
Courtesy / FirstNet
Maine’s first responders will get a boost in their wireless communications with the addition of new, purpose-built FirstNet cell sites in Aroostook, Penobscot, Oxford, Somerset, Hancock, Kennebec and Knox counties.
The new infrastructure is a part of the FirstNet network expansion taking place across the state, bringing increased coverage, capacity and capabilities for public safety, according to a news release.
FirstNet, headquartered in Reston, Va., claims to be the only nationwide, high-speed broadband communications platform dedicated to and purpose-built for America’s first responders and the extended public safety community. The platform is built in a public/private partnership between the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) and AT&T Communications, which is part of AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T).
The First Responder Network Authority is the federal entity charged with overseeing the creation and delivery of the FirstNet network. Housed within the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration, the authority’s role is to ensure AT&T delivers on the terms of its contract and creates a network that meets the needs of public safety now and into the future.
On top of the purpose-built FirstNet sites, AT&T also recently launched additional new cell sites in the following towns: Biddeford, Springvale, Buxton, Hartland, Easton, Dayton and Rockwood; and completed updates to over 150 recently acquired, existing cell sites across central and northern Maine, which will significantly expand coverage to many areas of the state.
The sites were upgraded with high-quality spectrum set aside by the government specifically for FirstNet. Th enew infrastructure improves connectivity for residents and visitors in rural and urban areas.
“I welcome FirstNet’s commitment to enhance wireless coverage across Maine,” Gov. Janet Mills said in the release. “This announcement is an important step forward in supporting emergency first responders as they conduct their critical work, in supporting the health and safety of Maine people, and in connecting more Maine people to our global network.”
Said Owen Smith, president of AT&T Maine, “These uncertain times have highlighted just how important fast, reliable communication tools are to all of us, from students and teachers to doctors and nurses to families and businesses.”
The new FirstNet sites were identified by state and public safety stakeholders as priority locations.
One of the first sites to be completed in this phase of Maine’s FirstNet project is located in Van Buren. Van Buren was the site of an accident that claimed the life of Arthur Brissette in January 2017 and brought to light the critical need for reliable communications in the area.
In August, the FirstNet Authority announced it would add a new, purpose-built cell site for first responders in Stonington.
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