FirstNet Ready to Boost Texas Public Safety

Texas public safety is getting a huge boost thanks to broadband technology!

The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) is an independent authority established by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). FirstNet is charged with establishing a nationwide public safety broadband network based on a single, national network architecture.

FirstNet is part of Public Safety Long Term Evolution (PS LTE), a term used to describe the next generation cellular technology which will be used to build the nationwide network. The network will deliver new services, capabilities, and applications that will help first responders and other public safety entities across the state become more efficient and effective. Not only will the network give emergency responders a common and instant connection, it will allow them to share information through automatic license plate readers, facial recognition systems, field fingerprint analysis processers and much more.

The State of Texas is currently awaiting word from the Homeland Security Bureau about when the networks will be allowed to "go live."

Keep up with the latest FirstNet developments through the Texas Department of Public Safety website at http://www.dps.texas.gov/LTE/, or make sure to Follow us on Twitter and Like us on Facebook.