FirstNet and L3Harris to expand communication network for Florida first responders

by AT&T

May 17, 2022

Closeup of law enforcement holding mobile device.

MIAMI — Florida’s 11,000 first responders will now have access to the most technologically advanced communications system available, now that L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX) has teamed with FirstNet®, Built with AT&T.

L3Harris will combine its successful Statewide Law Enforcement Radio System (SLERS) with FirstNet, the only network built with and for America’s first responders.

Florida emergency personnel will now have interoperable access to both P25 Land Mobile Radio (LMR) and LTE-based FirstNet technologies. Additionally, Florida public safety personnel can:

  • Complement mission-critical agency communications

  • Free-up LMR capacity by moving non-essential communications to FirstNet

  • Allow team members who travel outside the SLERS footprint to stay connected across the country.

The system builds on L3Harris’ 20-year legacy of successfully managing and operating SLERS, which has reliably provided first responders with critical communications services through 15 hurricanes and more than 10 tropical storms.

Last spring, the Florida legislature approved and funded a $451 million contract renewal for the Florida Department of Management Services (DMS) to purchase new L3Harris radios and upgrade its system to L3Harris P25 Phase 2 technology.

“This partnership with the State of Florida and FirstNet provides Florida’s first responders with the most technologically advanced communications system available,” said Nino DiCosmo, President, Public Safety and Professional Communications, L3Harris. “This first-of-its-kind deployment of FirstNet will help connect first responders across the state with reliable, modern communications tools needed to stay mission-ready and perform at their best.”

“As America’s public safety partner, FirstNet is helping solve long-standing communications challenges,” said Jason Porter, President, Public Sector and FirstNet Program at AT&T. “This initiative provides Florida’s first responders with mission-trusted interoperable communications and furthers their situational awareness with rich information from diverse sources. And, while commercial networks remain available to public safety, we continue to see FirstNet grow – both in Florida and across the country – because it offers distinct advantages from those commercial offerings.”

L3Harris’ Public Safety and Professional Communications is a leading supplier of communications systems and equipment for public safety, federal, utility, commercial and transportation markets. The business has more than 80 years of experience in public safety and professional communications and supports more than 500 systems around the world.

“FirstNet was built for first responders by first responders,” said Jeremy Zollo, Chief Market Engagement Officer, First Responder Network Authority. “The FirstNet Authority worked hand-in hand with Florida’s first responders to build a resilient network designed to help them save lives and protect communities.