State joins in $7-billion effort to build safety communication network

The Wyoming Public Safety Communications Commission will meet in Cheyenne at 10 a.m., Aug. 31 at the Wyoming Department of Transportation Auditorium, 5300 Bishop Blvd.

The commission’s agenda includes discussions on the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) and how WyoLink performed during the eclipse.

First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) is implementing a high-security wireless broadband communication – the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network – for first responders.

Gov. Matt Mead opted in to FirstNet in July. By opting in to the program, the network will be provided to the state of Wyoming at no cost for the first 25 years. FirstNet and AT&T will build and operate the network with $7 billion provided through the “Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act” of 2012, according to information on the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) website. FirstNet is an independent authority within NTIA.

The network will enhance network coverage in rural areas, create jobs and usher in a new wave of innovation for first responders, according to a news release from FirstNet on July 11.

PSCC meetings are open to the public.

For more information about the meeting agenda or the commission, please contact the commission secretary at (307) 777-3952, email katie.pfister@wyo.gov or visit the commission page on WYDOT’s website at www.dot.state.wy.us. To call in to the meeting, dial (888) 531-9486.

The next regularly scheduled business meeting will be in Cheyenne on Oct. 11.

The Wyoming Public Safety Communications Commission is comprised of gubernatorial appointees from state, county, local and federal public safety agencies and associations.

The commission is responsible for promoting the development, improvement and efficiency of public safety communication systems in Wyoming and provides administrative oversight to WyoLink, the state-wide public safety radio communications system.

The commission holds six in-person meetings per year.