Although state has opted-in to new nationwide First Responder Network, agencies can make their own choice
Ridgeland, Miss. (January 10, 2018) – C Spire, which has built a strong reputation over the last 20 years with first responders for stellar service and support during emergencies and disasters, is ready to match its track record against other competitors as Mississippi confronts a long potential transition to a new, nationalized public safety network for critical wireless broadband communications.
Mississippi-based C Spire was one of two companies that submitted separate proposals to state officials to consider their own network, but Gov. Phil Bryant, citing costs and risks to taxpayers, approved a plan late last month to participate in the nationwide First Responder Network Authority, which has a 25-year contract to build the new infrastructure in 50 states.
“While we respect that decision, it’s important to note that this new, nationalized public safety network cannot be built over night and no public safety agencies or first responders are required to change their service provider because the state opted in,” said C Spire President Stephen Bye. “There is no requirement to use FirstNet: it will be years before the Band 14 network is fully operational with ubiquitous coverage to match C Spire’s network in Mississippi.”
In the meantime, Bye said C Spire will continue to provide innovative and leading-edge services to first responders in the state. “We’re the only tested and proven wireless partner for public safety in the state,” he said, adding that the company will soon announce additional innovative solutions for public safety.
“We have a track record of service and innovation that is unmatched when it comes to meeting the critical needs of first responders,” Bye said, recalling that C Spire made extensive preparations and network investments in 2005 to withstand Hurricane Katrina, which caused significant destruction and loss of life in New Orleans and along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
C Spire has continued to leverage its investment in critical broadband infrastructure in its response to the Louisville tornado in 2014 and, last summer, by providing critical high-capacity wireless broadband connections to emergency services personnel responding to the U.S. Marine Corps KC-130 aircraft crash in rural Leflore County.
“We need partners that will support and protect Mississippi, its people and its valuable assets in emergency situations and in times of need,” said Mississippi Emergency Management Agency Executive Director Lee Smithson. “We value relationships with companies like C Spire and look forward to continuing to respond effectively to emergencies and disasters in the future.”
“At C Spire, we believe competition and innovation should be the primary drivers for public safety and first responders in Mississippi,” Bye said. “And that’s exactly the service and value that we deliver to local and state entities every day.”
About C Spire
C Spire provides world-class, customer-inspired wireless communications, 1 Gigabit consumer Internet access as well as a full suite of dedicated Internet, wireless, IP Voice, data and cloud services for businesses. This news release and other announcements are available at www.cspire.com/news. For more information about C Spire, visit www.cspire.com or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cspire or Twitter at www.twitter.com/cspire.
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