Skytec, FirstNet expand safety network across Puerto Rico
Skytec Inc., a Puerto Rico-based provider of public safety technology, has partnered with FirstNet, Built with AT&T, to strengthen first responder communications across the island.
Through the agreement, Skytec is now authorized to sell FirstNet services to existing and future public safety clients, expanding access to advanced technology that improves emergency coordination and response.
Skytec’s SkyCAD dispatch system is already used by 77 municipalities, 35 state and municipal agencies, and more than 140 private ambulance companies in Puerto Rico.
This new alliance will extend those capabilities, allowing first responders in those towns and agencies to integrate directly with FirstNet’s secure, high-speed communication platform, officials said.
“This collaboration with Skytec underscores our unwavering commitment to the dedicated first responders who work tirelessly to protect our communities,” said Wilfredo Pereira, FirstNet Caribbean Territories manager.
“By combining more than 25 years of Skytec’s local expertise with advanced FirstNet capabilities, we are building a more resilient and prepared communication infrastructure to keep Puerto Rico’s first responders connected when they need it most,” he said.
A key feature of the collaboration is the integration of Land Mobile Radio (LMR) systems with FirstNet’s 5G platform and Mission Critical Push-to-Talk (MCPTT) service, improving interoperability between agencies and ensuring uninterrupted communications during emergencies.
The system offers priority and preemption for first responders, a secure network core designed exclusively for public safety, and deployable network assets that can be activated during remote operations, events or crises.
Additionally, Skytec’s proprietary technologies — SkyCAD, SkyCall and Sky911 — will now be integrated into the FirstNet network, enabling faster and more coordinated emergency response. The combination allows agencies to share information seamlessly and act more effectively during time-sensitive incidents.
“For more than 25 years, Skytec has built a team of engineers and programmers specialized in emergency response solutions, with the goal of driving innovation across multiple technological areas that support a robust communication infrastructure throughout the island,” said Henry Barreda, CEO of Skytec.
“This collaboration with FirstNet represents a complementary element that allows us to expand the government’s interoperability capabilities while meeting and exceeding rigorous federal standards,” he said.
The initiative also involves Saturn Wireless, an AT&T Solution Provider with nearly two decades of experience in technology consulting. Together, Skytec, FirstNet and Saturn Wireless aim to ensure that Puerto Rico’s public safety agencies have reliable tools and networks to operate efficiently and securely.
By combining Skytec’s locally developed systems with FirstNet’s national infrastructure, the partnership marks a major step toward modernizing Puerto Rico’s emergency communication framework and improving coordination among first responders.
