Best Practices for Emergency Communications in Large-Scale Disaster Response
Discover expert emergency communication strategies and how FirstNet helps first responders stay connected during major disaster response operations.
Articles by Editorial Staff
FirstNet reauthorization deserves immediate congressional priority
FirstNet (First Responder Network Authority) faces a Feb. 22, 2027 sunset that threatens to disrupt the most successful emergency communications program in our nation’s history. With overwhelming evidence of policy success, fiscal…
AT&T tabs Streamwide to provide FirstNet MCX services
AT&T selects Paris-based Streamwide MCX technology to power the carrier giant’s “next-generation mission-critical solution” for FirstNet. AT&T has chosen Paris-based Streamwide to power the carrier giant’s “next-generation mission-critical solution” for…
Fire Chiefs Unite at 2025 NFPA Forum to Champion Strategies, Defend Standards, and Confront Wildfire Threats
Fire chiefs from Australia, Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands, Slovenia, the United Kingdom, and the United States convened at NFPA headquarters in Quincy, Massachusetts, for the annual Urban Fire Forum (UFF). Hosted by…
Congress should renew FirstNet to prepare for the next catastrophe
Decision makers, in the aftermath of a catastrophe, often feel obliged to put pen to paper in order to help ensure that the same thing does not happen twice. This…
IAFC warns of risk to emergency networks if sunset remains
“FirstNet is the only service that can provide first responders with priority access and ruthless preemption, on its own dedicated network core with governance established by federal statute. “No other…
Gordon departs FirstNet Authority board
Sheriff Michael Adkinson to serve as acting chair for the FirstNet Authority board after Renee Gordon’s departure at the conclusion of her three-year term. SOURCE: Urgent Communications DATE: September 16,…
California’s 911 Crisis Is a Wake-Up Call for the Nation
by Charles Dowd (Ret.), Former Assistant Chief, NYPD It’s a call no one ever wants to make, but if you dial 911 you need, and have the right to expect,…
9/11’s failures led to a first-responder network — which will vanish if Congress doesn’t act
Sept. 11, 2001, was a day of unspeakable tragedy. But amidst the chaos was a group of heroes — firefighters, police officers, paramedics and countless others — who ran toward…
First Responder Communications Remain Vital on the 24th Anniversary of 9/11
The anniversary of September 11, 2001, is always difficult for the millions of Americans who lived in New York and Washington, D.C. and saw the terrorist attacks firsthand, and everyone…
What If the Lights Go Out?
By Roxy VanGundy Kansas Unveils a Game-Changer for 911 Centers Across the State If you’ve ever worked in 911, especially as an administrator, you know one of the most persistent…
Is There FirstNet Oversight?
Many have complained there isn’t enough. Are they right? You be the judge. There has been considerable talk within NTIA and on the Hill as well as a couple of public safety…
A First Responder’s Experience: Verizon Frontline Fails to Impress
By Chris F. Denney In August 2025, I decided to look for a personal cell phone. So, I decided to give Verizon Wireless a try. I have experience in wireless…
Critical comms for first responders is crucial. Here’s why Congress must act.
In late August 2005, our team at Acadian Ambulance was bracing for the unimaginable. Hurricane Katrina was heading toward Louisiana, and even with decades of disaster response experience, we knew…
FirstNet is Transforming Communications for First Responders in Marion County, South Carolina
Today, AT&T and the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) joined local first responders, public safety officials and community leaders in Marion County to highlight how FirstNet® Built with AT&T – the only 5G…