Data Collection Submitted to FirstNet
The deadline to submit required information to assist with public safety broadband coverage planning to FirstNet was Wednesday, Sept. 30. With the assistance of agencies across the state, the AWIN team was able to meet the deadline.
Earlier in the year, FirstNet requested assistance and provided guidelines for states to collect data from the public safety community to use in coverage planning and to ensure that the network meets the needs of first responders. FirstNet only maintained baseline information, and states were asked to fill in existing gaps with information such as users, operational areas, current coverage, data usage, etc.
Through the data collection process, the AWIN team worked closely with private and public safety entities across the state to collect needed information and with the Arkansas Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) office to compile the information into an easily displayed format. An online database was developed to easily enter all compiled information, which was shared with several other states as a template.
In order for Arkansas to receive the most beneficial coverage through the FirstNet initiative, the AGIS office developed a portal and maps to display specific layers of the collected information. Through the use of the maps, the data collection team could easily view current gaps in FirstNet’s coverage plans. The team worked to align needed coverage with public entity facilities, state highways, populated areas according to 911 address points and any other areas of concern provided by local public safety officials.
The data collection team also worked with the city of Little Rock to discuss its significant use of data. In addition to the FirstNet data collection, the team will provide city models for bandwidth and data access needs.
As part of the Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan (SCIP), public safety responders were surveyed to determine state priorities for interoperable communications. A large majority of responders are concerned about FirstNet coverage, so the Arkansas Public Safety Broadband Network (APSBN) team is working to ensure that the state receives the best public safety broadband coverage in regards to FirstNet as possible. Thank you to all of the public and private safety agencies in the state for your contributions to the data collection efforts.