Success Stories

Prattville, AL First Responders

Public Sector
"As storm events progressed, our SouthernLINC Wireless phones allowed us to communicate with other city departments and city officials", said Stanley Gann, Chief of the Prattville Fire Department. "We were also able to communicate with state agencies and private agencies such as Alabama Power. Our ability to communicate with needed resources was one of the keys to the success of our response and recovery efforts."
- Stanley Gann, Prattville Fire Department Chief

Overview

Multiple public safety agencies were deployed to Prattville, Ala., when a tornado struck the area in February 2008. First responders needed to immediately connect with colleagues in their own and at other agencies prior to and immediately following severe weather. The SouthernLINC Wireless emergency response team ensured network operability despite the inclement weather and heavy call volume, allowing first responders to reliably communicate with one another.
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Benefits

SouthernLINC Wireless improved communications for Prattville’s first responders in the following ways:

  • Interoperability: Since SouthernLINC Wireless is the cellular and PTT two-way radio provider for the state of Alabama, Prattville’s first responders not only were able to stay in constant communication with each other, but also with officials from multiple government agencies, including the Autauga County Sheriff’s Office and Alabama Department of Public Safety.
  • Reliability: Since SouthernLINC Wireless built its system with back-up batteries, generators and towers designed to withstand severe ice and winds, the company’s network remained operational during and after the tornado in Prattville. This allowed first responders to stay in constant communication and coordinate recovery efforts. SouthernLINC Wireless has a proven track record of being a trusted communications provider, especially during crucial times. Prior to the Prattville tornado, the company’s premier PTT two-way radio service was the predominant means of communicating in certain hard-hit areas following Hurricanes Opal, Ivan, Dennis and Katrina.
  • Immediate, Private Communications: First responders can connect at the push of a button, thanks to SouthernLINC Wireless PTT two-way radio service. And, since the carrier’s network is digital and private, there are no concerns about sensitive information being disclosed during response calls. There is no known scanner that can intercept communications over the SouthernLINC Wireless network. “SouthernLINC Wireless allows us to communicate instantly and that makes us efficient and successful,” concluded Gann.
Actual results may vary. Several factors may affect or interfere with the service availability and quality as described above such as, but not limited to, network changes, traffic volume, service outages, weather and your equipment.