About Louisiana FirstNet

The 2012 Federal law that created FirstNet also established the State and Local Implementation Grant Program (SLIGP), paving the way for Louisiana FirstNet.

SLIGP provides resources to State, Tribal, regional and local entities to identify interoperability wireless data needs, gaps and priorities, and plan for build out of the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (NPSBN).

Louisiana FirstNet is leading that effort. In partnership with local and statewide stakeholders, Louisiana FirstNet is determining the most efficient and effective means to use and integrate the infrastructure, equipment and other architecture associated with FirstNet so that local, Tribal, State and regional jurisdictional seamless interoperable data sharing requirements are met.

WHY PUBLIC SAFETY BROADBAND FOR LOUISIANA

Louisiana is no stranger to emergencies or disasters. The response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005 demonstrated the challenge of – and need for – seamless interoperable voice and data communications. Louisiana responded by constructing the Louisiana Wireless Information Network (LWIN), addressing voice communications. The NPSBN provides us an opportunity to address the need for seamless, dedicated data sharing, including high-speed video, location data, telemedicine, document sharing and applications during an emergency or disaster.

 

SYSTEM STATISTICS

Louisiana has the largest statewide radio system in the country and the only system to exceed 84,000 subscriber units. LWIN has:
• 135 active tower sites
• 4 mobile tower sites
• 2 mobile repeater sites
• 4 mobile satellite dishes
• 6 generators on wheels
• 12 million average PTT transmissions monthly
• 4 master sites online and operational

STRUCTURE + GOVERNANCE

The SLIGP grant recipient is the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Office of State Police.The grant is administered by the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP). The State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) is James Waskom, Director – Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness

Louisiana FirstNet is under the general direction of the Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee (SIEC) and its Broadband Subcommittee.

Created by the Louisiana Homeland Security and Emergency Assistance and Disaster Act (Louisiana Disaster Recovery Act), the SIEC and the Broadband Subcommittee have full authority to design, construct, administer and maintain a statewide interoperable communications system with capacity to transport voice, data and imagery in support of full response to any emergency or disaster event.

GATHERING + SHARING INFORMATION

Dedicated to public safety, NPSBN design will be based on input from local jurisdictions. To ensure statewide and local needs are identified and shared, Louisiana FirstNet is committed to reaching out to local first responders, member associations, Tribal authorities and other stakeholders in Louisiana, and to interfacing with the national FirstNet organization.

Look for announcements regarding outreach activities and events, which will be posted to the calendar on this site as they are scheduled. There will also be other ways to participate through survey tools and data collection initiatives.

To stay up-to-date on FirstNet activities, public safety personnel can track progress at www.firstnet.gov and this Louisiana FirstNet site.