The nation’s two dedicated first responder networks are going live this week with private core services for members, representatives of both entities said.

In a news release, officials at AT&T, the service provider for the First Responder Network Authority, announced the launch of FirstNet’s core network across 56 states and territories March 27. The core network, the company said, will have a controlled introduction to a limited customer set while it is tested extensively, followed by the onboarding of more customers, likely in April or May.

Meanwhile, officials at Verizon announced the private core of their own dedicated network for public safety and first responders would become “generally available” to all members beginning on March 29.

FirstNet had previously set a core completion timeframe of March 2018, while Verizon had announced its dedicated network plans in August. Members of both networks have already enjoyed unique capabilities such as priority services and pre-emption, but the core deployments further activate and securitize their separate networks, and offer enhanced communication and services.

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