June 3, 2020
The Waukon Police Department has entered into a service agreement with FirstNet, an AT&T company, for our cellular and mobile service. FirstNet allows the department to have cellular tower priority and preemption during disasters or other events in which cellular towers would see an influx in usage. We feel that this service will help us better serve our community, especially in times of increased phone usages. Also, AT&T will deploy a mobile (tower on wheels) truck to our area in the event that our cellular towers are interrupted.
During the 9/11 terrorist attacks, first responders reported communication challenges and concerns. As a result, the 9/11 commission recommended interoperable networks for public safety and first responders. In 2012 Congress established the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet).