Just as a national effort has begun rolling out for wireless broadband networks for use by first responders, Verizon Communications [VZ] on Aug. 16 said it plans to build and operate its own private network core dedicated to public safety communications.

Verizon said its new public safety network, won’t require states to drop out of the fledging First Responder Network Authority, better known as FirstNet, doesn’t require federal funds that are being used for FirstNet and doesn’t require states to fund the network deployments.

The communications network provider said its network announcement is a response to requests from public safety agencies.

“We’re making the investments necessary to give public safety access to the best possible network coverage, reliability and capability, when and where they need it,” Michael Maiorana, senior vice president for Public Sector at Verizon, said in a statement. “Our public safety network will provide a comprehensive and cost-effective solution for public safety, and we’ll continue working to offer first responders the network reliability and access to innovative services they need to keep our communities safe.”

In March, the U.S. Department of Commerce and FirstNet selected AT&T Inc. [T] for the $46.5 billion project to build a nationwide seamless, wireless broadband network dedicated to public safety. AT&T is set to receive success-based payments of $6.5 billion over the next five years to build out the network while spending $40 billion over 25 years to build, deploy, operate and maintain the network.

FirstNet, and independent authority within the Commerce Department, was established in response to a 9/11 Commission recommendation for more radio spectrum for public safety.

Since the FirstNet contract award in late March, 13 states and one U.S. territory have opted-in to FirstNet at no cost.

Verizon said it will invest in new 4G LTE voice communications to complement existing services such as Push-to-Talk Plus, which already includes interoperability with existing land mobile radio networks.