The FirstNet Authority and FirstNet — They’re Not the Same Thing!
By James Careless Most people understand the difference between Ford (the company that makes Ford cars and trucks) and an actual Ford car or truck. But this same clear distinction…
Insights
Verizon Once Again Shows it is Anti-Public Safety
By Editorial Staff Verizon has finally publicly stated their endgame for public safety and that is to take away your spectrum and sell it to the highest bidder. On June…
Making It Okay Not to be Okay: Part Two of ATFN’s Two-Part Series on First Responder Wellness
By James Careless In Part One of this series on first responder wellness, retired North Las Vegas Fire Chief Jeff Lytle examined the persisting stigma associated with first responder job-related…
IG expresses concern about NPSBN Band 14 coverage; FirstNet Authority, AT&T question some findings
This OIG management alert is the result of an audit of the FirstNet Authority initiated almost two years ago. The audit’s objective was “to determine whether FirstNet Authority is ensuring…
5 broadband technologies to improve outcomes during a suspicious package incident
Consider this scenario: a suspicious package is found at a sporting event in a large stadium. Bystanders have called 9-1-1 to report an unaccompanied backpack spotted under a seat. Wires…
AT&T Bolsters Storm Readiness with New Maritime and Public Safety Solutions
Just a few weeks into storm season and it’s already been an active start. During this time, the essential need for dependable connectivity becomes especially clear. This is what motivates…
How FirstNet Can Help Fight Wildfires
By James Careless According to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), in 2023 55,571 wildfires consumed a total 2,633,636 acres in the United States, which is 47.39 acres burned per…
Is It Okay Not to be Okay? Part One of ATFN’s Two-Part Series on First Responder Wellness
By James Careless When it comes to first responder mental health and wellness, the statistics are sobering. “It isestimated that 30 percent of first responders develop behavioral health conditions including,…
The connected ambulance: FirstNet for Maine EMS
By Jonathan Olson, Senior Public Safety Advisor, First Responder Network Authority Maine is undertaking a statewide project to install FirstNet in all its ambulances — to keep them connected and…
FirstNet PTT Adopted for Start-up Public Safety Department
By Lindsay Stromgren Starting up a new public safety department from scratch is no easy task for any community, especially a small suburban one. The Town of Amherst Massachusetts faced…
The benefits of full 5G for law enforcement
On scene, in the patrol vehicle, and at the command post — wherever law enforcement officers work, they need fast and reliable connectivity. One of the most important innovations for…
When wildfires threaten the wildland urban interface, FirstNet connects firefighters
By Gary McCarraher, Senior Public Safety Advisor, First Responder Network Authority The threat of wildfires is no longer only a concern for western states. More than 60,000 communities in the…
Grundy County switches to FirstNet to prioritize communication
Situated about 45 minutes south of Chicago, Grundy County, Illinois, is a community of 50,000 residents spread out over 430 square miles. The rural county is also home to two…
5G on FirstNet: More data, greater speeds in near real time
Earlier this year, the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) announced an investment of $6.3 billion to enhance 5G capabilities on FirstNet. The investment will support the development of a 5G core…
Honoring our public safety heroes
By First Responder Network Authority First responders protect and serve their communities every day. Whether they’re rushing into a burning building, providing life-saving medical assistance, upholding public safety, preparing for…