FirstNet Brings Wireless Coverage to First Responders in Glenwood Canyon

Emergency Response Equipment Deployed to Provide Vital Wireless Communications for Public Safety

What’s the news? Communicating in a crisis without adequate wireless coverage is a challenge. Eagle County public safety agencies called upon FirstNet®, Built with AT&T to provide new and enhanced wireless coverage in Glenwood Canyon to assist in their response to recent mudslides that closed Interstate 70.  Multiple emergency communications assets have been deployed to connect an under-construction network of cell sites to the FirstNet network and provide coverage through most of the canyon.

Why is this important? This is the first connectivity of its kind within Glenwood Canyon and will be a welcome relief to the recovery efforts taking place. On July 30, multiple large mudslides swept through parts of Glenwood Canyon closing I-70, trapping motorists, and destroying most everything in its path, including crucial communications infrastructure. As public safety’s communications partner, the FirstNet team at AT&T* quickly deployed dedicated portable emergency equipment to bring wireless coverage to first responders on the scene. With FirstNet, first responders dedicated to clearing debris and repairs in the Canyon can communicate and coordinate their recovery efforts.

With scores of first responders deployed to Glenwood Canyon – spanning agencies including Colorado State Patrol, Gypsum Fire Protection District, and Eagle County Sheriff – the need for reliable, interoperable communications has never been more essential.

“Glenwood Canyon has always presented numerous challenges that impact drivers, visitors, residents and public safety,” said Chief Justin Kirkland, Gypsum Fire Protection District. “When combined with a destructive mudslide closing the highway, and multiple agencies including transportation crews focused on recovery and safety, being able to communicate is critical. Given the current emergency, we asked for FirstNet and 911 connectivity, and they made it happen. For the first time in Glenwood Canyon’s history, public safety is getting the connectivity it desperately needed.”

“FirstNet’s highest priority is helping public safety achieve their mission. And that’s helping public safety achieve their mission. These dedicated deployable network assets will help first responders stay connected and coordinate their activities,” said Roberta Robinette, President, AT&T Colorado. “Considered by some to be the crown jewel of the interstate highway system, Glenwood Canyon presents several engineering challenges – for transportation and communications alike. We are thrilled to deploy a solution that provides connectivity through this critical transportation corridor.”

Only FirstNet – America’s public safety network – has dedicated assets to provide fire, EMS, law enforcement and more with unthrottled access to connectivity when and where they need it, including in the immediate aftermath of a storm or other disaster when commercial power and other infrastructure may be disrupted. The added connectivity at the Glenwood Canyon base camp is not only helping first responders plan and coordinate activities for the next days, but also helping them reach their families and loved ones during their down time.

We consider FirstNet the most important wireless network in the country because it’s serves our first responders. And unlike commercial networks, FirstNet provides dedicated mobile broadband. So far this year, public safety has requested support more than 200 times for planned and emergency events covering everything from COVID-19 vaccination centers to hurricanes.

Deployment of the dedicated FirstNet deployable assets, as well as the ‘ROG the Dog’ assisted-therapy animals, are guided by the FirstNet Response Operations Group (ROG), a team of former first responders. Their intimate understanding of the public safety mission is setting FirstNet apart. Serving as public safety’s true network partner, ROG works around the clock to help first responders stay connected and operate faster, safer and more effectively when lives are on the line. This has made a meaningful, mission-impacting difference for thousands of first responders and hundreds of agencies across the country.

What is FirstNet? FirstNet is the only nationwide, high-speed broadband communications platform dedicated to and purpose-built for America’s first responders and the extended public safety community. Shaped by the vision of Congress and the first responder community following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, FirstNet stands above commercial offerings. It is built with AT&T in public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority – an independent agency within the federal government. The FirstNet network provides first responders with truly dedicated coverage and capacity when they need it, including unique benefits like always-on priority and preemption, and high-quality Band 14 spectrum. These advanced capabilities enable FirstNet to help fire, EMS, EMA, law enforcement, and 9-1-1 personnel save lives and protect their communities.

Where can I find more information? Go here to learn more about how AT&T is supporting Colorado. For more about the value FirstNet is bringing to public safety, check out FirstNet.com. And go here for more FirstNet news. 

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