Network investments. As part of the FirstNet investment strategy, in August 2020 the FirstNet Authority Board approved funding in support of FirstNet network enhancements – expanding the FirstNet deployable fleet and upgrading the network core for 5G capabilities. Totaling more than $200 million, these investments were fulfilled in 2021 and set FirstNet on the path to 5G and expanded the dedicated fleet of deployable assets to ensure FirstNet subscribers have the coverage and capacity they need during emergencies and events.
Following the funding approval, the FirstNet Authority released an updated Roadmap to continue to guide the growth, evolution, and advancement of FirstNet. The FirstNet Authority continues to conduct public safety engagements to collect feedback from the broader public safety community about first responders’ operational needs.
Expansive buildout and adoption. FirstNet continues to see expansive buildout and a rising adoption across the nation. As public safety agencies increasingly integrate mobile broadband into their daily operations, FirstNet transforms the public safety marketplace by putting new mission-ready solutions into the hands of first responders, such as FirstNet MegaRange, Compact Rapid Deployables, and Z-axis features.
- FirstNet Authority Board Approves FY21 Budget for Operations, Investments
- Public Safety, Data Drive New Updates to FirstNet Authority Roadmap
- FirstNet Network Adoption Grows, New Mission-Ready Solutions Launch
- Expanding to Serve: FirstNet Surpasses 2.71 Million Square Miles Supporting More Than 2 Million Connections