News Tribune – Illinois has joined in partnership with First Responders Network Authority (FirstNet) in an effort to make public safety information more accessible to first responders. FirstNet is developing a dedicated broadband channel for first responders
and emergency communications operations for police, fire, EMS and command staff.
Currently, first responders operate on open channels that can experience interference or less-than-optimal speeds. The dedicated channel would eliminate those problems. By “opting in” to the First Responders Network Authority, Illinois is becoming a part of a national network rather than establishing its own and trying to tie in. The network is
being built, operated and maintained by FirstNet in partnership with AT&T, and is expected to be fully operational by November 2021.
