The State of Kansas has been investing in communications for public safety—becoming one of the most innovative states for emergency response. From Next Generation 9-1-1 technology to integrating legacy radio systems with FirstNet®, Built with AT&T, Kansas first responders are getting powerful new tools to keep their communities safer.
Powerful New Tools for First Responders
This spring, Kansas integrated FirstNet Rapid Response – a mission critical push-to-talk solution that gives first responders priority access to voice, data, video, location and interoperability services – with the state’s Land Mobile Radio (LMR) system, KSICS, enabling traditional public safety radios to connect seamlessly with smartphones and advanced wireless technology.
This means faster, more reliable communication during emergencies for first responders—whether they are inside buildings, coordinating with out-of-town teams, or managing disasters. With features like near real-time voice and group messaging, location tracking, and priority access, FirstNet Rapid Response enhances safety and speeds up response times. Available nationwide, it can also more easily connect local Kansas responders with public safety in and out of the state.
“We’re continually seeking innovative ways to enhance our capabilities, and FirstNet has proven to be an indispensable tool in achieving that mission,” said Undersheriff Matthew P. Kelly, Miami County Sheriff’s Office. “The integration of FirstNet Rapid Response with KSICS, along with the use of Intrepid response, represents a major advancement in public safety communications. With systems like these in place, Miami County is reinforcing its commitment to building a safer, more connected, and more resilient community.”
FirstNet bridges gaps between devices and networks, helping to ensure no message gets missed when lives are on the line. For first responders in Kansas, it’s not just an upgrade—it’s a major step toward building safer, stronger communities.
Next Generation 9-1-1 On the Go
This month, the Kansas 911 Coordinating Council launched the Emergency Mobile Dispatch Training Center (EMDTC), a fully equipped, climate-controlled mobile unit designed to support Kansas 9-1-1 centers with training, emergency response, and public safety exercises.
Equipped with AT&T ESInet™, AT&T’s Hosted 9-1-1 Call Handling, and powered by FirstNet, the EMDTC is bringing Next Generation 9-1-1 technology directly to local agencies and helping to ensure consistent service and readiness across the state. Whether it is a real-world emergency or providing valuable training and support in remote parts of the state, the Mobile Dispatch Training Center will strengthen the state’s emergency preparedness efforts.
Since 2013, AT&T has been modernizing emergency response for first responders and the community in Kansas with its NG9-1-1 technology, enabling faster response times, enhancing location accuracy, and increasing reliability.
Unprecedented Public Safety Connectivity
As public safety’s partner, we are bringing better connectivity to public safety when – and where – they need it. FirstNet is America’s largest network for public safety, already covering more than 99% of first responders, and reaching more than 2.99 million square miles. And we are only continuing to grow.
As part of our investment initiative with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) to transform public safety’s communications, we recently completed the buildout of 1,000 new FirstNet sites across the country – well ahead of schedule and almost twice as fast as our original commitment – providing first responders with dedicated connectivity on public safety’s Band 14 spectrum. And we’re continuing to expand FirstNet with purpose-built FirstNet sites — based on public safety’s direct feedback and network considerations — focused on rural, tribal and remote areas of the country. As part of the ongoing FirstNet network expansion, we turned on new sites in Derby, Kansas City, Lenexa and Riverton.
We’re connecting public safety agencies and organizations in around 400 communities across the state. Plus, we’ve rolled out public safety’s Band 14 – high-quality spectrum set aside specifically for public safety on FirstNet – on more than 600 sites across Kansas to provide public safety with truly dedicated coverage and capacity.
Learn more about FirstNet at https://www.firstnet.com/. Learn more about our other investments in Kansas at https://www.attconnects.com/kansas/.
FirstNet and the FirstNet logo are registered trademarks and service marks of the First Responder Network Authority. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
