Navy, Marine Corps opt in to FirstNet

The Navy and Marine Corps have signed up to use the FirstNet nationwide public safety communications network AT&T is building for first responders in the U.S.

This Monday announcement from AT&T comes slightly more than a month after the Department of the Navy issued a policy directive that contains guidance on how to deploy the wireless FirstNet system.

That directive is a “promising first step toward eventual procurement, deployment and management of FirstNet-based services,” AT&T’s defense business lead Mike Leff said in the company’s statement.

Both the Navy Installations Command and Marine Corps Installations Command will develop technical, functional and budgetary requirements, procedures and strategies related to FirstNet implementation and deployment, plus integration at facilities across the country.

FirstNet devices and services will be made available through AT&T’s position on the almost $1 billion “Wireless Spiral 3” contract awarded in late 2017 for mobile devices and services.

Leaders at both commands will also identify public safety entities within the Navy and Marine Corps that are eligible for FirstNet and assess that platform for their communications requirements.

All 50 states, Washington, D.C. and five territories have opted into FirstNet, for which AT&T holds a 25-year contract to build. The company was selected for the job in 2017.