FirstNet coverage brings critical connectivity to Tribal lands

The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) and its network contractor AT&T are working to bring FirstNet’s unique capabilities to areas historically prone to communication challenges. FirstNet currently provides over 2.71 million square miles of coverage and new cell sites are launching nationwide, including in Tribal communities such as the Nez Perce Reservation in Idaho, the Spirit Lake Reservation in North Dakota, and the Yankton Sioux Reservation in South Dakota. For the first responders serving the Yankton Sioux communities, having a new FirstNet cell site directly on the reservation is bringing much-needed coverage and capabilities to the area. “The site will not only support enhanced signal strength for data transfer in our police cars, but also public safety will be able to travel across the reservation and connect to voice and data on FirstNet devices, ultimately improving officer safety and benefiting communities across our Tribal lands,” explained Yankton Sioux Tribal Police Chief Chris Saunsoci. Tribal first responders subscribed to FirstNet also have access to the network’s fleet of deployable assets. These portable cell sites are available free of charge to FirstNet users in need of on-demand coverage. Public safety communications have drastically changed in the twenty years since 9/11, but there is still work to be done. As we look to the future, the FirstNet Authority will continue to actively engage with tribal leaders and public safety officials to ensure their needs are reflected in the network.

[Margaret Gutierrez is National Tribal Government Liaison at First Responder Network Authority.]