Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds announced her decision to accept the FirstNet and AT&T plan to deliver a wireless broadband network to the State's public safety community. Iowa joins Virginia, Wyoming, Arkansas and Kentucky as the first states in the country to "opt in" to FirstNet and bring advanced technologies that will help first responders save lives and protect communities.
WATCH – video of today’s press conference with Gov. Reynolds, FirstNet President TJ Kennedy and FirstNet Board member Gov. Jim Douglas is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVvuVk_sR9U
"The FirstNet network will not only strengthen and modernize public safety communications in our state, but also bring much needed investment to our communications infrastructure," said Gov. Reynolds. "The network builds on AT&T's existing footprint to expand coverage and capacity. AT&T has invested nearly $150 million in its Iowa network infrastructure over the past three years. By partnering with FirstNet, we will be able to expand coverage for first responders. As a result, this will also help to expand coverage for rural Iowans, providing access to a reliable, high speed wireless connection in areas with little or no connectivity today."
"Iowa is a longtime leader in public safety communications technology, from using public school Wi-Fi to connect emergency personnel on school grounds to today's decision to become part of the FirstNet network," said FirstNet President TJ Kennedy. "With Governor Reynolds’ decision, Iowa is putting cutting-edge, lifesaving technology in public safety's hands. FirstNet looks forward to continuing to work with Iowa to build the network and equip the state's first responders with the technology they need to save lives and keep Iowa's communities safe."
For more information on the Governor’s decision, visit https://firstnet.gov/the-governors-decision-media-kit
NEW Track Governors’ State Plans decisions on FirstNet’s homepage, www.firstnet.gov.
