Puerto Rico

From natural disasters to mass casualty incidents — and even acts of terrorism — America was struck by tragedy early in 2025. These events tested the resolve of our country and put pressure on the nation’s emergency response systems. First responders once again rose to meet these challenges head on, and the FirstNet Authority is proud to support them.

Puerto Rico Innovation and Technology Forum

In this video, FirstNet Authority Board Member Alexandra Fernandez Navarro explains the unique challenges of disaster response on island territories. When emergencies occur, these territories are often cut off by air and sea, which makes pre-planned emergency management crucial. Fernandez Navarro provides information about FirstNet's deployable resources, which can be pre-positioned to serve hard-to-reach areas. Learn more about the deployable program at FirstNet.gov/deployables.

FirstNet Authority Board Member Alexandra Fernández Navarro’s extensive career in public service and telecommunications gives her a unique understanding of the interaction between utilities and telecommunication organizations during emergency response and recovery. We sat down with Ms. Fernández Navarro to discuss the unique communications challenges U.S. territories face, how FirstNet supports territories, and her career in public service.

Public safety requested FirstNet emergency support 100+ times for Hurricane Ian. Assets from the dedicated FirstNet fleet supported first responders in affected areas, including Charlotte, Col

The FirstNet Authority’s Public Safety Advocacy team proactively reaches out to public safety to discuss FirstNet and elicit feedback and insight regarding their communication needs for public safety broadband and innovative technologies. In the East region, the team includes seven public safety advisors covering a geographically diverse region of 19 states.

Puerto Rico is home to a population of approximately 3.1 million people with an additional 3 to 4 million tourists visiting the island each year. Spanning just 30

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Aug. 31, 2017 – Puerto Rico is transforming communications for first responders across the islands. Today, Governor Ricardo Rosselló announced his decision to accept the FirstNet and AT&T plan to deliver a wireless broadband network to the territory’s public safety community and, with it, enhancements to help Puerto Rico’s first responders save lives and protect communities.

When Hurricane Matthew passed off the coast of Puerto Rico in 2016, it destroyed buildings and structures on the island. The damaged sustained after this and other hurricanes in Puerto Rico highlighted the importance of having reliable communication and connection for local public safety.