Colorado will soon join a wireless broadband network called FirstNet to improve communications among first responders and public safety throughout the state.

Gov. John Hickenlooper said the network will be specifically designed to best serve the state’s needs in emergency situations.

“We are opting to allow FirstNet to make an investment in Colorado that promises to make our state more resilient against threats to our safety,” Hickenlooper said in a press release. “We, together with Colorado’s Governing Board, are confident that the investment will not only benefit public safety, but also provide much needed telecommunications infrastructure in rural areas of our state.”

Colorado FirstNet is headquartered in Boulder.

The U.S. Department of Commerce oversees the public-private partnership with AT&T.

AT&T will build, operate and maintain the secure wireless broadband communications network at no cost to the state, according to Hickenlooper’s office. FirstNet will comprise an entire system of modernized devices, apps and tools for first responders.

The Colorado FirstNet Governing Board, chaired by Denver fire chief Eric Tade, made the decision to join the network after reviewing it and other programs.

“We need to connect our first responders now,” Tade said. “From rural to urban communities, public safety professionals throughout Colorado put their lives at risk every day responding to disasters and critical situations. That is why the state of Colorado spent years visiting with public safety teams statewide, thoroughly reviewing solutions for Colorado. Our conclusion: opting in to FirstNet is the best solution for Colorado.”

It streamlines how Colorado’s fire, police, EMS and other public safety personnel communicate and share information. Specifically, it will: