FirstNet and AT&T will deliver, operate and maintain the network for fire, police, EMS and other public safety bodies “at no cost” for the states.
Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper said: “We, together with Colorado’s governing board, are confident that the investment will not only benefit public safety, but also provide much needed telecommunications infrastructure in rural areas of our state.”
Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner said: “Opting in to the FirstNet emergency responder network is an important advance for public safety in Illinois. FirstNet’s technology will help us keep important lines of communication open when we most need them.”
FirstNet and AT&T outlined their plans earlier this year for various state governments to consider, with Arkansas, Iowa, Kentucky, Virginia and Wyoming joining the initiative in mid-July.
Earlier this month, the State of Missouri also approved the plans.