AT&T to finish 80% of FirstNet buildout in coming months, exec says

AT&T expects to complete 80% of the contracted buildout of the FirstNet nationwide public-safety broadband network (NPSBN) “in the coming months,” an AT&T executive said yesterday.

AT&T Chief Operating Officer (COO) John Stankey made the statement during the company’s quarterly earning call with financial analysts while discussing company officials’ belief that AT&T will add more wireless users in 2020 than it did in 2019… READ MORE

Jennifer Schermerhorn among 9-1-1 operator grads (OR)

Seaside dispatcher Jennifer Schermerhorn is among graduates of the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training 117th Basic Telecommunications Class.

The three-week course includes emergency call handling techniques, stress management, civil liability, ethics, criminal law, overview of fire-rescue and law enforcement operations, and a number of other topics. Upon completion of the… READ MORE

Washington National Guard showcases network and communications equipment utilized during and after a disaster (WA)

Following a disaster, the ability to communicate is critical. Emergency responders have to know the needs of a community to provide efficient, effective help.

“In the wake of a large-scale disaster, communication systems are usually a mess,” said Tech Sgt. Ian Crocker, Information Systems Analyst with the 10th Civil Support Team. “The CST’s communication packages provide a robust network for the responders on the… READ MORE