July 20, 2021

When natural or other catastrophic disasters strike, many different services are needed to respond to these emergencies and the aftermath that unfolds. For this reason, the FirstNet® communications network is not just restricted to first responders such as police, fire and ambulance services, but is available to a list of users in critical infrastructure and other city services that potentially qualify for FirstNet under the Extended Primary Users category of services. This powerful broadband LTE network provides a highly reliable connection to experience faster response times and improved information sharing across agencies, disciplines, and jurisdictions.

Extended Primary users may be called on a temporary or on-going basis and are other entities that provide public safety services. They may be called upon to support public safety personnel with mitigation, remediation, overhaul, clean-up, restoration, or other such services that are required during the time of an emergency or post catastrophic event. They consist of:

  • Healthcare
  • Transportation
  • Utilities
  • Government
  • Critical Infrastructures
  • Venues
  • Broadcast/Media
  • K-12 Schools
  • Higher Education
  • Private Security

Benefits for the Extended Primary Community

  • Priority access – Get always-on priority access to voice, data and text. This means you will have priority over commercial traffic on the network.
  • Sensitive data is protected – A dedicated Security Operations Center monitors the network 24×7 for physical and cyber threats and the physically-separate FirstNet core has available end-to-end encryption.
  • Temporary service solutions for expanded coverage when disaster strikes – With 80+ FirstNet dedicated deployable devices, when the power goes out or you anticipate the need for more coverage, we can make sure your communications are working as fast as you are.
  • Personal device eligible – FirstNet can be activated on your organization-issued devices and/or your own personal devices. (Subject to eligibility)

Are you FirstNet Eligible?

Because FirstNet is a dedicated public safety resource, primary users (first responders) and the extended primary community are reviewed for eligibility before service is approved. REACH is partnered with FirstNet and can guide your business through the FirstNet discussion and approval procedure to help streamline the process.

As your telecom and IT solutions expert, REACH takes pride in keeping you connected. Leverage our full suite of services. Get in touch with us today by calling Valerie at 715-330-4200 or filling out our contact form.