What is FirstNet?
FirstNet is an independent government authority established in 2012 by Congress. FirstNet’s public safety mission is to build and deploy the first-ever nationwide broadband network dedicated to first responders.
This is Public Safety’s Network.
The FirstNet network grew out of and addresses a 9/11 Commission recommendation calling for interoperable communications for all U.S. first responders. With the FirstNet network, first responders will have access to fast, highly secure and reliable communications whenever they need them. This will help first responders stay safe while they help others during both day-to-day operations and disaster response and recovery, and when securing large events.
FirstNet Law-Title VI Public Safety
aw enforcement and other first responders remain the backbone of community safety, consistently stepping into unpredictable and often dangerous situations to protect lives and property. As communities expand and challenges…
For retired Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Division Chief Kevin Fetterman, wildfire response has evolved beyond just flame length and smoke columns. “I see smoke and I see fire, but my…
SAN ANTONIO—At least three U.S. military bases are conducting tests this year to explore whether FirstNet broadband can replace aging land-mobile-radio (LMR) systems used to support mission-critical communication for law-enforcement…
The latest innovation in the FirstNet network, the nationwide network core is designed specifically for public safety’s unique needs First responders on FirstNet®, Built with AT&T have access to the first and…
Learn how a FirstNet cell booster works, when your agency needs one, and the difference between the Cell Booster Pro and third-party options.
The Fire Chief of the island of Maui, which experience deadly wildfires in August 2023, recounts what actually happened The 2023 Maui wildfires highlighted the immense challenges emergency responders face…
The Public Safety Broadband Technology Association (PSBTA) is honored to feature a panel at the 2026 Vision Summit on the July 2026 DC Circuit ruling on the 4.9 GHz band, The 4.9 Ruling Is Here—What’s Your Next Step? on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 9:30 am – 10:00 am. The panel includes leaders from the Public Safety Spectrum Alliance (PSSA) and the Public Safety Broadband Technology Association (PSBTA) Chief Richard Carrizzo (Ret), Chief Jeff Johnson (Ret), and Dick Mirgon.
Explore new wildfire prediction technology including AI modeling and spread forecasting tools helping first responders stay ahead of the fire.
The PSSA/PSBTA applaud today’s unanimous DC Circuit panel decision upholding the FCC’s 4.9 GHz decision.
Session to Highlight Hybrid Devices Bridging Broadband and LMR Bridging Broadband and LMR: FirstNet Fusion and the Rise of Hybrid Devices” will explore how public safety agencies can modernize their communications…
As the World Cup unfolds in North America, all eyes have turned to Dallas — the city hosting the most games in the United States. Large-scale events like this pose…
Learn who owns FirstNet, how the overall control of the organization is shared, and what that means for public safety agencies across the country.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
PSG Spotlight –2026 Vision FirstNet Users Summit Registration and Hotel Information
Open Grants
Anticipated Grants
AT&T in public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority), added a new 5G cell site in Horseshoe Beach as a direct result of state and local public safety…
The Public Safety Broadband Technology Association will host a collaborative session at the 2026 Vision FirstNet Users Summit to bring tribal leaders and public safety professionals together to advance resilience,…
This week, our nation will celebrate America’s 250th birthday and FirstNet®, Built with AT&T is keeping public safety ready for celebrations of every size, from hometown parades and community gatherings to the country’s…
News / Press Release WASHINGTON – Today, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced that U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick has appointed four public safety, technology, and business…
At a middle school in New Hampshire, innovation recently took flight. A law enforcement drone competition brought public safety agencies from across the region together to practice their skills, test…
Scott Agnew, president of AT&T’s FirstNet unit, highlights the evolution of the FirstNet network since the RFP for the program was released 10 years ago. SOURCE: Urgent Communications DATE: June…
In the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), emergency communications planning begins with a simple reality: help is far away. SOURCE: The First Responder Network Authority Blog DATE: June…
By Staff Writer Recently there have been several stories describing what public safety interoperability is and how FirstNet users should “enjoy” the benefits of interoperable networks. The authors apparently aren’t…
As the country prepares for one of the world’s biggest sporting events, FirstNet®, Built with AT&T – the largest network for public safety – is supporting first responders to help keep fans,…
Discover how FirstNet expands coverage in rural America with dedicated infrastructure, priority access, & disaster support where commercial networks fall short.
First responders are preparing for a massive communications surge as Kansas City prepares to host World Cup matches, with specialized network equipment positioned across the region to handle an expected…
In summer 2026, the FIFA World Cup—the world’s biggest sporting event—will take over North America. With 48 teams, 16 host cities, and billions of viewers, the tournament will bring millions…
Learn what the FirstNet Authority is, how it works as an independent federal entity, and why that independence is critical for first responders.
Communications Solutions For Modern Policing In the middle of a crowded public event, a police officer is attempting to stream live video, access records, and coordinate with multiple agencies—all while…
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — With the World Cup two weeks away, Atlanta public safety leaders are working to ensure first responders can communicate when hundreds of thousands of…
Network Expansion Will Help Boost Speeds, Enhance Customer Experience and Improve Public Safety Connectivity On May 22, representatives from AT&T, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration…
SAFFORD — What started as a zoning request for a cellphone tower behind Curtis Country Store quickly turned into something closer to a countywide confession Wednesday: Graham County’s cellular coverage…
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration at the U.S. Department of Commerce announced that Secretary Howard Lutnick has appointed Sheriff Michael A. Adkinson, Jr. to serve as Chairman of the…
Recently, Georgia policymakers, public safety officials, the military community and business and community leaders had the opportunity to witness firsthand FirstNet’s fleet of deployable assets on display at events in…
When Indiana University (IU) football entered a historic new era of success, the excitement extended far beyond the field. Sellout crowds, expanded tailgating, and increased national attention transformed game days…
FirstNet is federally funded and congressionally mandated to serve public safety. Learn why it is a public asset instead of a commercial service
Key fire representative hopeful that NTIA and public safety can more closely align about what they want in FirstNet Authority reauthorization language. As the U.S. Senate is expected to consider…
A new national podcast is launching that focuses on the future of public safety: 10‑2 Blue Brief: Emerging Tech & Innovation in Law Enforcement. The series dives deep into the tools, platforms, and technologies transforming how agencies prevent crime, respond to emergencies, and protect both officers and the communities they serve. The backbone of each conversation will be FirstNet and its continued impact on law enforcement efficiency and effectiveness at responding to crime.
Learn how the FirstNet Authority board avoids disruption during member transitions through governance structure and institutional continuity.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 4, 2026 WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Howard C. Liebengood Foundation proudly announces that two of its distinguished board members, retired Police Chief Terrence M. Cunningham and…
AT&T and the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) joined Fort Benning leaders, first responders, public safety officials and community leaders at Fort Benning to highlight how FirstNet® Built with AT&T – the only…
Southern Utah is known for its dramatic beauty — red rock canyons, national forests, and small towns surrounded by wide-open terrain. But for first responders, that beauty has historically come…
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.
We’re building on 30+ years of disaster response experience to restore and maintain connectivity, when it matters most. SOURCE: AT&T News DATE: April 29, 2026 “From our customers to the…
What makes FirstNet such a functional and irreplaceable system is not only its technological capacity but also the institutional knowledge built over more than a decade. The Response Operations Group…
Learn how FirstNet tribal coverage supports public safety on tribal lands. Explore how FirstNet builds dedicated connectivity for tribal first responders.
Wednesday, 22 April 2026 09:00 AM NEWS / PRESS RELEASE SPRINGFIELD, OR / ACCESS Newswire / April 22, 2026 / Critical Linx, part of the Hughes Fire Affiliates, announced today that it is…
U.S. House members today approved a bill that would reauthorize the FirstNet Authority for another decade while increasing oversight by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), leaving the matter…
For decades, public safety connectivity was largely restricted to radios that linked responders in the field to dispatchers who often had limited visibility of the scene. Today, a growing ecosystem…
AT&T is recognized for advancing public safety communications through ubiquitous connectivity, innovation, and a resilient network architecture through FirstNet, Built with AT&T NEWS / PRESS RELEASE SAN ANTONIO, TX. – April…
AT&T is supporting NASA communications for the historic Artemis II Moon mission, extending our nearly 150-year track-record of supporting government connectivity. Working side-by-side with NASA, AT&T is providing connectivity and…
Learn how FirstNet supports interoperability communications by connecting agencies, systems, and responders with real-time data sharing during emergencies.
The House Energy and Commerce committee voted to reauthorize FirstNet, the public safety data communications network operated by AT&T. The House Energy and Commerce Committee on Wednesday voted unanimously to…
Learn how FirstNet coverage supports public safety agencies with priority
network access and the best coverage in the USA.
City leaders said during a conference this week that if Congress fails to renew the authority of a dedicated public safety communications network, they risk “real bad trouble.” Speaking to…
Florida first responders need a dedicated network that never fails. For more than 30 years, I served in law enforcement in North Florida. Over that time, one lesson stood out…
A patient’s healthcare journey doesn’t begin and end at the hospital. FirstNet®—the only network built with and for public safety—can help keep patients, first responders, clinicians and caregivers connected from…
The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) was created by Congress in 2012 as an independent authority to build, operate, and sustain the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (NPSBN). An…
For Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski, the fire service is more than a profession: it’s a legacy. As a fourth-generation firefighter, Lipski traces his roots back to his great-grandfather, who…
More than 5 billion people watched the last tournament in 2022 and more than 5 million fans are expected to attend this year’s 104 scheduled matches, according to FIFA. Sixteen cities…
To date, more than seventy associations and organizations representing over five million first responders across the country, announced their formal support for the reauthorization of the FirstNet. From first responders,…
Want to simplify your deployable requests? Curious about how to build a license cache to support wildfire response? Or how to leverage TAK for shared situational awareness? Get your questions…
Late last month, the California Fire Chiefs Association reversed its position of supportfor NextNav, withdrawing that support in a letter to the FCC. This prompted a statementfrom NextNav’s Vice President…
Learn how spectrum allocation, Band 14, and 4.9 GHz affect public safety networks and why supporting FirstNet reauthorization ensures reliable communications
Back in 2015, during one of the early FirstNet hearings on Capitol Hill, the Chair of FirstNet, Sue Swenson, briefed our nation’s elected officials on FirstNet, its progress, and the…
Following the September 11, 2001, attacks, investigations revealed significant communication failures among first responders. Police and fire departments operated on incompatible radio systems, hampering coordination during the emergency response. In…
Learn why FirstNet’s Mission Critical Push-to-Talk (MCPTT) is vital in enabling reliable, secure, and instant communication for first responders.
I’m writing this as a local fire chief in mid-Missouri and representing NAEMT on the Public Safety Advisory Committee to the FirstNet Authority. Those two roles are not separate. What…
As the Bay Area prepares to host professional football’s most anticipated event, FirstNet®, Built with AT&Tis dedicated to supporting the first responders and public safety officials on the ground. After more…
Learn why FirstNet is the trusted first responder network built for public safety with priority access, preemption, and reliable coverage.
Why Public Safety Must Stand Firm Behind FirstNet’s Credibility in the Face of Commercial Carrier Interference By John Paul Jones, Executive Director PSBTA, Public Safety Broadband Technology Association Why Public…
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), an agency within the Department of Commerce, appears to be pursuing a coup to take control over the FirstNet Authority. I have been…
In Corning, New York, local leaders are finding new ways to enhance public safety and improve communications across city departments with FirstNet — the nationwide broadband network built exclusively for public safety…
FirstNet, the nationwide public safety broadband network is enhancing emergency communications for public safety agencies in Swain County, North Carolina by installing a new cell site and integrating FirstNet as a wireless…
Learn how FirstNet delivers more reliable data speeds compared to standard wireless networks, especially during emergencies
FirstNet’s president told Fierce that satellite will add to the network’s layered approach FirstNet is currently conducting beta tests of satellite capability Both AT&T and FirstNet are working with AST…
Public safety communications depend on reliability, predictability, and resilience. For decades, the lower 900 MHz band (902–928 MHz) has quietly served as a foundational layer for life-safety systems across the United States. According to one filing this band supports billions of unlicensed Part 15 devices—panic buttons, fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, emergency vehicle alerting systems, traffic signal preemption, gunshot detection sensors, SCBAs, man-down systems, wildfire detection, and many other mission-critical tools relied upon daily by first responders.
Learn how mission-critical broadband networks are transforming public safety and why FirstNet leads as the top secure broadband provider for first responders.
January, 2026 — Recently the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) announced the expansion of FirstNet’s operational capacity and coverage with the addition of new sites for public safety coverage. “These critical…
To better manage emergency communications and to coordinate responses during the legendary New Year’s Eve celebrations in New York City’s Times Square this year, the New York City Police Department…
It’s been an extraordinary year for our network teams at AT&T, filled with innovation, dedication, and groundbreaking achievements. Behind the scenes, we’ve been working relentlessly to push the boundaries of…
The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) today announced plans to further expand FirstNet and strengthen wireless broadband coverage for first responders, including public safety agencies serving rural, remote, and hard-to-reach areas. Through strategic…
The Public Safety Broadband Technology Association (PSBTA) welcomes the announcement by the First Responder Network Authority to expand FirstNet through the deployment of more than 135 new purpose-built cell sites, enhanced indoor coverage solutions, and upgrades supporting future satellite-to-device capabilities for public safety.
FirstNet Authority directs AT&T to bolster wireless coverage for public-safety subscribers by deploying new cell sites, satellite D2D and indoor gear. FirstNet contractor AT&T has been directed to deploy more…
We started the day by visiting a new cell site in Hopewell Township in Beaver County that will help residents, businesses, and public safety on FirstNet®, Built with AT&T get more from…
As first responders work tirelessly to respond to the devastating flooding in western Washington, here’s how FirstNet, Built with AT&T and the AT&T Network Disaster Recovery (NDR) team are helping….
Discover what the NPSBN is and how it enables FirstNet to deliver secure, prioritized broadband connectivity for first responders nationwide
Every member of the public safety community who’s ever stood in the chaos of an incident knows this truth: communications are our lifeline. We can have the best training and equipment in the world, but if communications fail, everything else can unravel. Command collapses. Coordination suffers. And people get hurt.
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.
When summer winds down, many families prepare to send students away from home for the first time to attend college. At the same time, colleges and universities nationwide diligently work…
KAPALUA, MAUI – During the Hawaii Fire Chiefs Association annual conference today, first responders in Hawaii joined Maui County Fire Chief Brad Ventura and local representatives from AT&T to get a…
Access to broadband technology has been a challenge across Indian Country, sometimes impacting the ability of tribal first responders to protect and serve their communities. The First Responder Network Authority…
When Hurricane Helene ripped through the southeast United States in late 2024, it caused widespread devastation. Communities faced powerful winds, flooding, and infrastructure damage that stretched across multiple states. Yet…
As engines roar down The Strip for the Las Vegas Race, there’s another high-performance team working around-the-clock – public safety. Just like an elite pit crew springs into action to keep race…
Compare Wireless Priority Service (WPS) and FirstNet. Learn why FirstNet goes beyond WPS with priority, preemption, data, and spectrum built for public safety.
Civilians depend on first responders to keep them safe in a crisis. First responders depend on this wireless network to deliver the reliable communications they need to meet that mission….
AT&T Boosts 5G Capacity Nationwide with New Spectrum, Giving Customers a Stronger, Faster Connection
AT&T isn’t just turning on new spectrum. We’ve hit the 5G accelerator and deployed mid-band (3.45 GHz) spectrum from EchoStar to nearly 23,000 cell sites in a matter of a…
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 lessons from 9/11 resulted in FirstNet, the nationwide wireless broadband network improving police, fire, and EMS communications
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…
Medford Fire Chief Eric Thompson said the agreement with PSTC resolved difficult communications challenges facing the city’s public-safety LMR network, the water commission’s radio system, and coverage gaps realized by…
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.
Federal Reports
Lennard G. Kruger Specialist in Science and Technology Policy January 26, 2017 Summary Congress included provisions in the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (P.L. 112-96)…
Linda K. Moore Specialist in Telecommunications Policy June 17, 2016 Summary Congress included provisions in the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (P.L. 112-96) for planning,…
Linda K. Moore Specialist in Telecommunications Policy February 27, 2015 Summary Congress included provisions in the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (P.L. 112-96) for planning,…
Linda K. Moore Specialist in Telecommunications Policy March 12, 2014 Summary Since September 11, 2001, when communications failures contributed to the tragedies of the day, Congress has passed several laws…
Linda K. Moore Specialist in Telecommunications Policy May 28, 2013 Summary Since September 11, 2001, when communications failures contributed to the tragedies of the day, Congress has passed several laws…
Public Safety Alliance (PSA)
“Awarded To: Andrew Seybold, For your outstanding vision, commitment and contributions to the critical communications industry” I am deeply humbled to have been only the second person to receive this…
Those who have been reading the Advocate for any length of time know I rarely feature individuals in my articles but when I do, it is to impart information that…
After the article about the lack of data interoperability across the FirstNet (Built with AT&T) network appeared last week in the Advocate, I received comments indicating that serious work has indeed…
BFN (Before FirstNet) and before Next-Generation 9-1-1 (NG911), the public-safety communications world was fairly organized. A few companies offered complete systems consisting of base stations, mobiles and portables, and radio…
In early November, I will be at the International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE) Critical LTE Communications Conference in Chicago. On the second day, I will be moderating a panel entitled,…
Rural Broadband I write and speak about this subject quite often. The reason is simple. FirstNet is the result of a public/private partnership that continues to work well and is…
The past several weeks have seen some interesting changes in the FirstNet Board of Directors and the U.S. Senate. First and foremost, the passing of John McCain was very sad…
With AT&T beating every due date, dealing with its coverage issues head-on, and deploying Band 14 ahead of schedule, not to mention certifying new FirstNet-approved devices, sometimes we forget FirstNet…
For the past few weeks I have been talking with folks in D.C., states, and locally about FirstNet and if and when it will replace Land Mobile Radio (LMR) systems….
December 2017 December is an important month for FirstNet, the states, and the public safety community. Already this month, we have seen more states opt in to FirstNet before the…
The law that created FirstNet is very clear when it comes to states and territories opting in or out of FirstNet. There are two ways to opt in: The governor…
A number of people within the various states and the public safety community are not happy with the coverage AT&T/FirstNet is offering on day one. Perhaps if they had a…
During the quest to obtain enough nationwide broadband spectrum for public safety, the Public Safety Alliance (PSA) and its member organizations worked industriously to convince members of the U.S. Congress…
The vision for the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (NPSBN) is to provide comprehensive high-speed wireless communication services to more than 60,000 public safety and emergency response agencies.1 The First…
The leaders of Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) agencies across the country have joined together to form the Public Safety Alliance (PSA) to urge Congress to pass legislation…
Public Safety Alliance The Public Safety Alliance (PSA) is a partnership among the nation’s leading public safety associations, including the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International, the International Association…
RICHARD MIRGON PAST PRESIDENT, APCO INTL The PSA’s 3 Core Principles Spectrum – Reallocation of the D Block to public safety Funding – Provide sufficient funding to build the network…