Why FirstNet Is a Public Asset and Not Just Another Commercial Network
FirstNet is federally funded and congressionally mandated to serve public safety. Learn why it is a public asset instead of a commercial service
Articles by James Careless
How the FirstNet Authority Board Maintains Continuity During Leadership Transitions
Learn how the FirstNet Authority board avoids disruption during member transitions through governance structure and institutional continuity.
Why FirstNet Does Not Depend on Taxpayer Funding
Learn how FirstNet is funded through user fees and a public-private partnership, not ongoing taxpayer dollars, and why that model supports long-term public safety innovation.
How FirstNet Works in Tribal Lands for Public Safety
Learn how FirstNet tribal coverage supports public safety on tribal lands. Explore how FirstNet builds dedicated connectivity for tribal first responders.
How FirstNet Enhances Interoperability for Emergency Communications
Learn how FirstNet supports interoperability communications by connecting agencies, systems, and responders with real-time data sharing during emergencies.
Understanding FirstNet Coverage Areas for Public Safety Agencies
Learn how FirstNet coverage supports public safety agencies with priority
network access and the best coverage in the USA.
Future of Spectrum Allocation for Public Safety Networks
Learn how spectrum allocation, Band 14, and 4.9 GHz affect public safety networks and why supporting FirstNet reauthorization ensures reliable communications
The Importance of Mission Critical Push-to-Talk (MCPTT)
Learn why FirstNet’s Mission Critical Push-to-Talk (MCPTT) is vital in enabling reliable, secure, and instant communication for first responders.
Why FirstNet is the Preferred Network for First Responders
Learn why FirstNet is the trusted first responder network built for public safety with priority access, preemption, and reliable coverage.
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
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.