Mission Critical: Communicating When the Grid Goes Down with FirstNet President Jim Bugel | Blue View Podcast

For law enforcement, the importance of communications systems cannot be overstated. From conducting a search for a missing person in a remote area to trying to keep the peace after a disaster when the grid is down, law enforcement officers respond to all sorts of emergencies where functioning communications are critical. They need systems that are fast, reliable, and expansive. On this episode of the Blue View, National FOP President Patrick Yoes sits down with Jim Bugel, President of FirstNet, AT&T. Jim has over 25 years of experience in the wireless and wired telecommunications industry and an extensive background in public safety, national security, cybersecurity, and emergency preparedness.   00:00 – Intro 00:50 – About Jim Bugel 03:55 – FirstNet’s Role in Public Safety 07:48 – Responding to a Major Event 11:40 – FirstNet on Your Personal Phone 15:26 – Status of FirstNet Buildout 18:00 – The Future of FirstNet 21:21 – How the System Actually Works 23:23 – Not Just a Network 28:00 – Final Thoughts