Emergency Manager Discusses FirstNet Options and Public Safety Communications

FirstNet as a Public Safety Communication Solution

• 💡 Steve Newton, Emergency Management Director for Chatham County, expressed increased confidence in current communication options compared to a decade ago.
• 🎯 He highlighted FirstNet as a key component of their diverse communication strategy, which also includes services from Verizon and T-Mobile.
• 🔑 The primary advantage of FirstNet, according to Newton, is its dedicated core network specifically for public safety activities.
• 🚀 This dedicated network utilizes Band 14, which ensures priority for public safety communications.

Real-World Application of FirstNet

• ⚠️ Newton recounted using his FirstNet device during Tropical Storm Sally to activate the WEA (Wireless Emergency Alerts) system.
• ⚡ He was able to successfully connect using off-the-shelf software to set off the WEA system even while in the midst of the storm.
• ✅ This demonstrated the reliability and effectiveness of FirstNet in critical, high-stress situations.