With the approach of hurricane season, leaders working to spur infrastructure investment to ensure robust communications system for first responders during emergencies and beyond
Texas Border Business
Edinburg, Texas — As the next hurricane season approaches and with the flooding of June 2018 a fresh and haunting memory, Edinburg leaders today announced a commitment to improving the city’s wireless communications infrastructure. The action can improve communications capacity for consumers but also ensure first responders are able to communicate and act during emergencies here.
“I am here to announce that our city has embraced innovation and investment that will put us on track to ensure our first responders can harness the power of a robust and powerful communications network to keep them coordinated, connected, communicating and responding when we need them most,” said Richard Molina, Mayor of Edinburg. “Further, fast, reliable wireless communications are not only a crucial resource today, but they will play a crucial role in bringing the technologies of tomorrow to life. With a network of innovative small cells, we will be ready to harness the power of the 5G revolution here in Edinburg.”
The City of Edinburg has approved 19 permits for the installation of small cell communication nodes, putting the city at the forefront of telecommunications investment in the Valley. All of the 19 approved small cell nodes are installed and operational in Edinburg.
Small cells not only will increase wireless capacity but also are the backbone for 5G, the next generation of wireless technology. 5G is not only the next generation, has been hailed as a revolution, one that will drive an entirely new economy.
“Increased demand is driving innovative communications companies to enhance their networks, not only to serve customers today but also to prepare for the next generation of technologies and services,” said Leslie Ward, President, AT&T Texas. “Leaders in Edinburg are blazing new trails for their citizens when it comes to advances in communications technology. By welcoming investment in their communities, they are saying ‘yes’ to the next generation of telecommunications. They are saying ‘yes’ to strong, reliable networks that power the connections – for work, for play and in times of emergency.”
Innovative programs, like FirstNet– America’s public safety communications platform – will ride on this small cell infrastructure, giving first responders access to the most cutting-edge communications network available.
“During a natural disaster like a hurricane or severe storm, maintaining open communication is vitally important for firefighters, police, EMTs, and other emergency first responders working to address emergency situations,” said Shawn Snider, Edinburg Fire Chief. “Delays or interruptions in communications between first responders can literally mean the difference between life and death during a hurricane or other emergency event. We are very thankful that we adopted the nationwide FirstNet communications platform – it has been a literal lifesaver here in the Valley during times of emergency.”
Stacy Schwartz, vice president, AT&T – Public Safety and FirstNet, added, “FirstNet is truly a game-changer for emergency response professionals, providing the public safety community with a reliable and highly secure connection, so they can access the critical information they need to effectively respond to an incident or coordinate disaster relief efforts. Further, everyone stands to benefit from improved connectivity.”
To date, more than 5,250 public safety agencies across the country are using 425,000+ connections on FirstNet today.
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