On October 10, 2017, Governor Kay Ivey announced the State’s decision to opt in to the FirstNet and AT&T plan to deliver a wireless broadband network to the state’s public safety community. The FirstNet network will bring advanced technologies that will help Alabama’s first responders save lives and protect communities.
Alabama FirstNet is a statewide program to prepare Alabama for the design, deployment and operation of the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (NPSBN), the nation’s first dedicated high-speed wireless broadband network for public safety. Alabama FirstNet will operate under the guidance of the Alabama First Responder Wireless Commission (AFRWC). The AFRWC is a multi-disciplined advisory group responsible for strategic planning of public safety spectrum and serving as the intergovernmental bridge between federal, state, local, tribal, and private entities to foster and promote collaboration and information sharing and to promote the efficient use of public resources to ensure that essential public safety personnel have effective communications.
The mission of the AFRWC is to utilize a consensus-based approach to mission-critical wireless communications development and promote interagency partnerships that lead to seamless communications among public safety agencies serving the citizens of Alabama.
Governor Ivey announces Alabama to join FirstNet First Responder Network