The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) and AT&T, Inc., its network partner, celebrated an opt-in sweep today, with an announcement that the Northern Mariana Islands is the last state or territory to decide to have AT&T build its FirstNet radio access network (RAN). In all, 50 states, five territories, and the District of Columbia have opted in. “Today, Governor [Ralph Deleon Guerrero] Torres [R.] made history. With his decision to join FirstNet, we are proud to have every U.S. state and territory on the nationwide public safety broadband network,” said FirstNet Chief Executive Officer Mike Poth. “Governor Torres’s decision will help enhance emergency communications across the territory’s rural and remote areas by bringing coverage and capacity to the islands. We look forward to continuing to work with public safety in the Northern Mariana Islands to help ensure that emergency first responders will have access to the most modern and innovative tools available today.”

“Opting in to FirstNet is a clear sign of Governor Torres’s commitment to public safety in the Northern Mariana Islands,” said Stephanie Tyler, president of AT&T Pacific Northwest. “First responders deserve the best possible communications platform and we’re honored to help deliver it for them.”

States and non-Pacific territories and D.C. opted into FirstNet by a Dec. 28 deadline (TR Daily, Jan. 2).

American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands had until March 12 to decide to opt in or not. On Jan. 4, Guam announced that it would opt in (TR Daily, Jan. 4), and American Samoa announced its opt in on Jan. 10 (TR Daily, Jan. 10).- Paul Kirby, paul.kirby@wolterskluwer.com

Courtesy TRDaily