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,…
Articles by Editorial Staff
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…
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…
FCC, DOJ in Court Defending Plan to Open More Public Safety Spectrum to FirstNet
WASHINGTON, August 19, 2025 – Faced with lawsuits from those on both sides of the issue, the government is defending its plan to open potentially valuable public safety spectrum to…
FirstNet Works and Congress Should Leave It Alone
As Congress considers the reauthorization of FirstNet (a wireless network exclusively for first responders), public safety associations are lining up in support while competitors for the contract are trying to…
CRITICAL INSIGHT Q&A: The high-stakes push to safeguard ‘FirstNet’ broadband spectrum
First responders have long depended on calling for backup and clearing the airwaves. Since its launch in 2018, FirstNet—America’s public safety broadband network—has become indispensable. With over 7.5 million connections, support…
Boulder County strikes gold with FirstNet CRD
Boulder County, Colorado, covers nearly 750 square miles and spans 9,000 feet of elevation change in the Rocky Mountains. The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) knows emergencies can happen anywhere in…
FirstNet is Transforming Communications for First Responders in Alamance County, North Carolina
Today, AT&T*, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) joined local first responders, public safety officials and community leaders in Alamance County to highlight…
FirstNet Authority pre-planning aids communication at the St. Thomas Carnival
Each spring, the St. Thomas Carnival transforms the U.S. Virgin Islands into a vibrant showcase of culture, community, and tradition. Drawing over 10,000 attendees, the weeklong celebration features lively parades,…