Guest Blog Post By Amanda Hilliard, FirstNet Director of Outreach

The 2014 National Emergency Number Association’s (NENA) annual conference and expo provided an excellent opportunity to increase our outreach to a key stakeholder community for FirstNet – the nation’s public safety telecommunicators. During my time in Nashville this week, I talked to several representatives from state and local governments about synergies between the deployment of Next Generation 911 (NG9-1-1) and the nationwide public safety broadband network (NPSBN).

We agreed that both initiatives share the same goal of improving communications capabilities during emergencies through the deployment of nationwide IP-based architecture. Once operational, NG9-1-1 and the NPSBN will enable users to access broadband technologies and applications when responding to requests for assistance and emergencies. Together, they will modernize communications from the public to dispatch centers and with first responders, enabling more efficient response and ultimately help save more lives and property.

In addition to visiting the NENA exhibit hall and sitting in on NG9-1-1 break-out sessions, I had the opportunity to discuss FirstNet’s outreach and planning efforts during a panel discussion with Jackie Mines, who is the Director of the Minnesota Division of Emergency Communication Networks and Walt Magnussen, Director of Telecommunications at Texas A&M University. I talked about how FirstNet has mapped out a detailed process to consult with the public safety community in each of the 56 states and territories to ensure the network is designed to meet the needs of public safety across the country.

Since outreach is such an important part of our consultation and planning with the states, I encouraged the 9-1-1 community to work with their state and local representatives and national associations on FirstNet activities. As an example, I discussed participation in the upcoming state consultation meetings and contributing to the development of a state outreach plan.

I also spent some time talking about specific actions FirstNet is taking to address NG9-1-1 in our outreach and planning efforts. This includes hiring a 9-1-1 subject matter expert and increasing our coordination with the Department of Transportation’s National 9-1-1 program, which is administered by Laurie Flaherty. I recently met with some of Laurie’s team to discuss ideas to help local/state 911 authorities educate their boards and governing authorities about FirstNet and increase collaboration with FirstNet activities and entities at the state/local level.

I look forward to working with Laurie, NENA, and other 9-1-1 stakeholders on these and others issues to maximize opportunities between NG-911 and the NPSBN. Thanks to NENA for inviting FirstNet to participate in their annual conference. It was a great opportunity to exchange ideas with members of the 911 community and to catch up with Jackie and Walt on their efforts as well as the Tennessee SPOC, Ehrin Ehlert.

-Amanda