January 4, 2018

Hagåtña — Guam is modernizing communications technology for its first responders.

Governor Calvo on Jan. 4, 2018 opted in to a plan that will upgrade improve communication for our island’s public safety community.

The First Responder Network Authority and AT&T will bring advanced tools that will help Guam’s first responders save lives and protect communities.

“Communication is critical when a typhoon or other disaster strikes our island,” Governor Calvo said. “FirstNet is another step toward improving our connectivity amongst first responders, which enhances their safety as well as their ability to safeguard and respond to emergencies in our island community.”

FirstNet will transform the way Guam’s fire, police, emergency medical services (EMS), emergency management and other public safety personnel communicate and share information. 

“With our participation in this nationwide program we’ll take a step to addressing our communications needs for first responders. Our geography here on Guam expands well beyond the popular hiking grounds in the hills and valleys of the south, it continues into miles of ocean surrounding our island,” Lt. Governor Ray Tenorio stated.

FirstNet subscribers will have the ability to connect to the critical information they need to handle daily operations, emergency response as well as supporting large scale events such as the Guam Liberation Day festivities and the Guam Micronesia Island Fair that attract both local residents and visitors alike. The network also promises to enhance network coverage and efficient communications during natural disasters. And as new technologies become available, the network can usher in a new wave of dependable innovations and carries the potential future integration of NextGen 9-1-1.

 

 “I want to thank Governor Calvo for his decision to accept the FirstNet plan. This system provides much needed capability and capacity to our First Responder agencies in their requirements to serve and protect our communities,” Governor Calvo’s Homeland Security Advisor George Charfauros stated. “We thank all who worked hard and diligently to get us to this point.”

 

FirstNet and AT&T worked with Guam to design a network solution with direct input from Guam and our public safety community. From our initial consultation meeting in October 2015 to continuous discussion with our public safety stakeholders, the FirstNet plan helped address the unique communication needs of our island, including:

 

·      Stationing dedicated network assets on the island that can be deployed for expedited response and recovery efforts as needed.

·      Improving coverage along critical coastal areas.

·      Providing increased resiliency, so first responders can be confident that the network will be there when they need it.

 

 “Governor Calvo’s decision for Guam to join FirstNet will provide needed benefits to our island’s first responders and improve overall emergency response and recovery,” stated Charles Esteves, Office of Civil Defense Administrator. “FirstNet provides a dedicated voice and data network for first responders, greatly increasing their ability to maintain communications and situational awareness during the most arduous times.”

 

FirstNet developed a multi-level, multi-year consultation program in partnership with Guam’s Single Point of Contact, currently Government of Guam Chief Technology Officer Frank Lujan, Jr, which included stakeholders from the Department of Homeland Security and local officials.

 

“Governor Calvo’s formal notification to opt in with the Guam State Plan for the FirstNet deployment is a great leap forward for our first responders and GovGuam in providing the much needed leading edge technologies along with the hardening, resilience and integration of our broadband infrastructure to save lives in the island territory for the next 25 years,” Lujan stated.

 

About FirstNet

The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) is an independent authority with the U.S. Department of Commerce. Chartered in 2012, its mission is to ensure the building, deployment, and operation of the nationwide, broadband network that equips first responders to save lives and protect U.S. communities. Learn more at https://firstnet.gov/newsroom/media-kits and follow FirstNet (@FirstNetGov) on Facebook and Twitter for updates.

 

About AT&T

AT&T, Inc helps millions around the globe connect with leading entertainment, business, mobile and high-speed internet services. We offer the nation’s best data network and the best global coverage of any U.S. wireless provider. We’re one of the world’s largest provides of pay TV. We have TV customers in the U.S. and 11 Latin American countries. Nearly 3.5 million companies, from small to large businesses around the globe, turn to AT&T for our highly secure smart solutions.

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