FirstNet expands across Ohio to advance public safety communications capabilities

Ohio’s first responders are getting a major boost in their wireless communications with the addition of new, purpose-built FirstNet(link is external) cell sites and other network enhancements at more than 1,000 existing sites. This new infrastructure is a part of the FirstNet network expansion taking place across the state, bringing increased coverage, capacity and capabilities for public safety.

“Connectivity has been a big plus with this platform,” said Commander Dennis Lowe, who leads the Fairfield-Athens Major Crimes Unit, a multi-jurisdictional task force that serves all of Fairfield and Athens Counties, as well as the City of Logan in Hocking County and the City of Circleville in Pickaway County “In the past I had to have my officers in different counties on different networks. Today, we’re all on one network built specifically for first responders, where there’s no throttling. It’s been a game-changer.”

“FirstNet has provided us with a number of new resources that are not only helpful during the pandemic, but year-round,” said Deputy Fire Chief Nick Bergman of the Washington Township Fire Department in Montgomery County. “With this platform, we’re better able to quickly connect to other agencies and jurisdictions and track our assets and personnel.”