The Rossville Consolidated School District has made significant strides in school safety and emergency preparedness by adopting FirstNet cellular radios, an innovative communications platform designed to provide secure, reliable, and extensive connectivity for public safety operations.
Unlike traditional radio systems constrained by local repeaters and signal strength, the FirstNet platform operates on a nationwide broadband cellular network specifically for emergency responders. Through FirstNet, Rossville staff can now communicate via encrypted and secure transmissions—similar to cell phone calls—ensuring that essential communications remain private and protected against external monitoring.
“This is a major leap forward for school safety and operations,” said Superintendent Dr. Jim Hanna. “Our staff can now communicate with clarity and confidence, even when traditional radio systems fail or are vulnerable to outside interference.”
The new FirstNet Ready™ devices give school personnel access to secure voice, text, and push-to-talk communications that work anywhere in the United States. That means even if a school bus is traveling out of state, such as in Louisville, Kentucky, the driver can still speak directly with school officials in Rossville using the same radio device.
Other key benefits of the new system include:
- Encrypted Communications: Sensitive conversations stay secure, reducing the risk of unauthorized listening.
- Expanded Coverage: No longer dependent on repeater towers, the FirstNet system uses cell towers and Band 14, a dedicated public safety spectrum, to provide reliable, far-reaching coverage.
- Simplified Equipment: The district has eliminated the need for traditional radio repeaters and excess equipment, significantly streamlining its communication infrastructure.
- Emergency-Ready Resilience: Unlike standard commercial networks, FirstNet has a dedicated response system in place to restore service quickly during outages, ensuring communication lines remain open even in disaster scenarios.
Dustin Shadbolt, Director of Technology at Rossville Schools, noted the transformational nature of the upgrade: “With FirstNet, we’re not just talking about clearer audio—we’re talking about nationwide, secure, and scalable communication that’s tied into the same systems first responders use. That level of connection is a game-changer.”
By leveraging FirstNet’s advanced capabilities, Rossville Schools is leading the way in creating a safer, more connected school environment. This investment reinforces the district’s commitment to using the most effective tools to protect and serve its students, staff, and community.
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