Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (NPSBN) Explained
Discover what the NPSBN is and how it enables FirstNet to deliver secure, prioritized broadband connectivity for first responders nationwide
Articles by James Careless
2025 Vision Summit Brought Together the FirstNet Community
The 2025 Vision Summit, the premier annual event for FirstNet end users, brought together first responders, government agencies, and industry leaders at the Westin Indianapolis Downtown Hotel & Conference Center on September 8-11, 2025. As in previous years, the Vision Summit was a gathering of the extensive FirstNet community, united by a shared mission: improving public safety communications across the United States.
Wireless Priority Service (WPS) vs FirstNet – Which Is Better for Public Safety?
Compare Wireless Priority Service (WPS) and FirstNet. Learn why FirstNet goes beyond WPS with priority, preemption, data, and spectrum built for public safety.
First Responders Overwhelmingly Support Reauthorization of FirstNet
93% of America’s first responders — police, fire, and EMS — want Congress to reauthorize the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority). It is the agency that oversees FirstNet, America’s dedicated public safety broadband network. FirstNet’s infrastructure, which includes Band 14 (the radio spectrum reserved by Congress for first responders), is operated under a competitively bid contract won by AT&T.
How FirstNet Improves Police and Law Enforcement Communications | PSBTA
How lessons from 9/11 resulted in FirstNet, the nationwide wireless broadband network improving police, fire, and EMS communications
What is a Public Safety Network and How Does it Work?
Explore how dedicated public safety networks operate to keep emergency responders connected, coordinated, and informed during all types of emergencies.
Understanding FCC Frequency Bands for Public Safety and FirstNet
Understanding why and how the FCC regulates the airwaves for first responder agencies and FirstNet (the dedicated, national public safety broadband wireless network created by Congress) underscores how vital this radio spectrum is for public safety. Without reliable access to communications, police, fire and EMS officers cannot effectively serve the citizens they are sworn to protect.
How 5G Is Shaping the Future of Public Safety Technology for First Responders
5G and FirstNet will provide first responders with faster, more sophisticated, and more diverse communications options
Future of Public Safety Communications and Why 4.9 GHz is Essential | PSBTA
Explore why the 4.9 GHz spectrum is vital to the future of public safety communications and what it means for emergency response technology.
Importance of Public Safety Wireless Networks for First Responders
Explore how public safety wireless networks like FirstNet enhance communication, improve response times, and support first responders during emergencies and natural disasters.
How FirstNet Improves Firefighter Communication During Natural Disasters
Learn how FirstNet enhances firefighter communication during natural disasters and emergencies with priority access, deployables, and resilient broadband.
New Technology and Advancements in Fire Communication
Discover how FirstNet’s innovations are transforming fire communication, enhancing safety and coordination for US firefighters with MCPTT, fire tech and more.
What is the Best Network for First Responders?
Discover why FirstNet is the best network built for first responders, offering priority access, coverage, and reliability when it matters most.
4.9 GHz Public Safety Spectrum Explained
Explore what the 4.9 GHz public safety spectrum is, how it’s used by agencies, and how FirstNet uses 4.9 GHz to drive innovation and communication reliability.
PSAP & Emergency Communications Centers Explained
Learn what ECCs and PSAPs are, how they support 911 and emergency response, and why FirstNet is essential for enhancing dispatcher communication and coordination.