When disaster strikes, the pressure is on the organizations that play a critical role supporting disaster response—whether they're managing wildfires, hurricanes, or other emergencies, or supporting the communities impacted by these emergencies. In recent years, there has been an increase in natural disasters like these. For example, wildfires have grown in frequency; in 2020 alone, over 10 million acres were burned across nearly 59,000 fires. Thousands of field technicians were dispatched to respond to the emergency.

Industries like utilities, field services, transportation, and construction support first responders and extended support services in disaster response and recovery. They play an essential role when emergencies occur, providing mitigation, remediation, overhaul, clean-up, restoration, or other such services during or after an incident. But in these high-stakes scenarios, reliable communication is often one of the biggest challenges.

That’s where FirstNet®, Built with AT&T comes in. FirstNet is the only nationwide wireless broadband platform designed specifically for America’s first responders and the broader public safety community. This platform offers first responders the priority and preemption they need, helping ensure their critical communications never have to compete with commercial network traffic. Those who support first responders (known as extended primary users) also receive priority access to maintain reliable connectivity during emergencies.

Read on to learn how FirstNet, Built with AT&T empowers first responders and the extended public safety community to tackle high-stakes situations efficiently, ensuring the safety of communities during high-density events such as large sporting events or natural disasters like wildfires and hurricanes.

Why reliable connectivity is critical for first responders and extended primary support teams.

During a disaster, open and reliable communication is critical to emergency response, but networks may become overloaded or fail entirely. Commercial networks often face high traffic volumes, leaving organizations unable to maintain consistent connectivity between the back office and field technicians. For first responders and extended primary support teams, this can mean delays in coordinating response efforts, getting updates from the field, or managing logistics—all of which can have life-or-death consequences.

Regardless of job title or responsibility, first responders and extended support teams of every type—including call dispatching units, emergency medical services, fire protection, law enforcement, emergency medical technicians (EMT) and paramedics, volunteer firefighters, field service technicians, utility providers, and more—require reliable connectivity to ensure that they’re able to respond to emergencies quickly and efficiently.

With FirstNet, first responders and support teams have priority access to the network, ensuring they can communicate when it matters most. And being part of the FirstNet network means they no longer have to worry about competing for bandwidth with everyday users during a crisis.

Who qualifies for FirstNet eligibility?

FirstNet is designed primarily for first responders, such as law enforcement, EMS personnel, firefighters, and emergency managers. What many organizations don’t realize is that extended support teams—the backbone of disaster response—are also eligible for FirstNet. 

When these extended primary users become FirstNet customers, they gain access to the same reliable, highly secure communications platform used by first responders, enabling them to have the connectivity required to accelerate emergency response and streamline service delivery.

Extended primary users that help mitigate, remediate, and recover from disasters are eligible for FirstNet. This includes:

• Utilities: Restoring power or managing critical infrastructure during or after a disaster.

• Field Services: Teams deployed to maintain, repair, or restore essential services.

• Transportation: Moving supplies, equipment, and personnel.

• Construction: Clearing debris, repairing infrastructure, and more.

Samsara can help you navigate the FirstNet eligibility process for first responders and those who support them, making it easy to determine if you qualify and to get connected.

Or, you can check your eligibility and activate your FirstNet profile online or at your local AT&T store. 

How to access FirstNet for your organization 

The eligibility process involves several steps and coordination. Your Samsara account team will manage the eligibility approval process for those who use Samsara’s VG55-FN Vehicle Gateway, a dedicated solution that has been evaluated and approved by FirstNet and AT&T.

 Here’s an overview of how it works:

1. The FirstNet eligibility requirements: To sign up for FirstNet, organizations will need to complete and submit an eligibility document outlining their role in supporting public safety. Samsara can check your eligibility, or you can check eligibility on FirstNet. 

2. FirstNet verification process: A form must be submitted to AT&T for validation. The Samsara account team will manage this for those using our VG55-FN. Additional verification documentation, such as Emergency Operations Plans or contracts with primary public safety agencies, may be required to verify eligibility.

3. Approval: After reviewing the request, AT&T will approve or request more information. Once approved, the organization can gain activation  to FirstNet services.

Why Samsara is the trusted choice for FirstNet

Samsara’s VG55-FN Vehicle Gateway, which is FirstNet Trusted™,  offers seamless integration with Samsara’s solutions across telematics, AI Dash Cams, sensors, and more. What sets Samsara apart is that we handle the FirstNet eligibility process on your behalf, provide straightforward pricing, and don’t require multiple FirstNet SIM cards and data plans.

With Samsara, you get a single, streamlined solution that not only connects your fleet via the FirstNet network, but also provides real-time data on vehicle and driver performance, helping improve fleet safety and operational efficiency when it’s needed most.

Get connected today

If you think your organization may be eligible for FirstNet, reach out to your Samsara sales representative to learn more about FirstNet. Don’t wait until disaster strikes—ensure that your team is equipped with the reliable network and communications platform they need to support public safety and response efforts effectively.

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