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
Insights
Ready for Anything: FirstNet and AT&T Deployable Assets Strengthen Emergency Response in Hawaii and Alaska
When disaster strikes, rapid and reliable communication is essential, especially for public safety. That’s why FirstNet®, Built with AT&T – the only network built with and for America’s first responders – is…
Whoa There Folks! The Advantage of a Single Solution
One of the greatest turning points in the modern history of emergency response has been the birth of the FirstNet Authority – a network envisioned by first responders, built for first responders, and still governed by those same boots-on-the-ground professionals.
Public Safety Broadband Technology Association Launches New Wildfire Podcast
The Public Safety Broadband Technology Association launches podcast series, “Catching Wildfire: Emerging Technologies and Operational Innovations in Wildfire.” SOURCE: FIREHOUSE.com DATE: October17, 2025 This new PSBTA podcast series explores how emerging…
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.
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…
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…
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…
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 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…