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Why FirstNet?
Police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and other public safety personnel need a reliable, resilient broadband network dedicated to public safety to perform their daily life-saving mission.
Public Safety Needs in Maine:
Maine has unique needs and coverage challenges, not the least being that it is the most rural state in the nation (2010 Census).
FirstNet's Solution to Public Safety Needs:
| Public Safety Needs | FirstNet Solution |
|---|---|
| Reliable data communications for daily and mission-critical use | Priority and preemption: One interoperable broadband network dedicated to public safety rather than multiple separate, incompatible networks for improved communications and coordinated response |
| Access to mobile broadband, data, databases and applications | Public-safety-grade mobile devices providing LTE wireless broadband connection. Shared data, images, video for situational awareness; maps/plans; medical and police records in real-time |
| Infrastructure redundancy | Cell site power backup, hardening; rapid rerouting for communications without interruption |
| Rural and wilderness coverage | Use of satellite and self-organizing network (SON) options outside of satellite coverage for no gaps in coverage |
| Best voice and data communications technologies available | Use of existing land mobile radio (LMR) network assets for foreseeable future; and of existing broadband assets where possible for best service at reduced development cost |
FirstNet Users
The potential user community nationwide and in Maine is large, widespread and diverse, including:
- Law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, E911
- State, county, regional and tribal government agencies
- Coast Guard, National Guard and FEMA
- Hospitals, LifeFlight, ambulatory contracted services
- Utilities, towing and busing services
- Red Cross, Salvation Army and other private organizations
