Ten Ways FirstNet Helps Public Safety
The FirstNet Authority works to ensure that FirstNet — the nationwide public safety broadband network — provides first responders with innovative communication technologies to meet the demands of their jobs. Here are 10 ways FirstNet helps public safety save lives and secure communities.
Interoperability: Emergencies cross jurisdictions — so does FirstNet
Historically, public safety agencies relied on separate, incompatible, and often proprietary radio networks, making it difficult to communicate across agencies and jurisdictions. FirstNet is a single, nationwide, interoperable network dedicated to public safety communications. Today, FirstNet’s interoperability connects first responders in all 50 states, 5 territories, and the District of Columbia.
See how cities use FirstNet’s interoperability to coordinate all responders in an emergency.
Priority and preemption: So first responders can communicate without interruption
Priority and preemption are unique, always-on features that allow first responders to communicate with minimal or no interruption. The FirstNet Core separates public safety’s traffic, enabling public safety users to communicate even when networks are congested.
Discover how FirstNet’s priority and preemption kept first responders connected when 30,000 concertgoers evacuated during a major storm in Ohio.
Rural coverage: Connecting responders in America’s underserved areas
One of FirstNet’s top priorities is expanding coverage for first responders in rural and remote areas. FirstNet has added thousands of new, purpose-built cell sites to boost coverage and capacity across the nation, focusing on rural and tribal communities. The network now covers more than 2.99 million square miles and 99% of the U.S. population.
Learn how FirstNet brought coverage to the remote wilderness of northwest Maine, enabling telemedicine and afterhours urgent care for the local community.
Apps and devices: Actionable data via vetted technologies
FirstNet offers a unique set of apps optimized and vetted for first responders’ needs. They provide situational awareness, location tracking, Internet of Things data, and other capabilities designed to enhance responder operations. FirstNet also offers a variety of devices approved for use on the network and customized for the demands of public safety work, with ruggedized features and mission critical services like push-to-talk.
Read how the Dallas Police Department in Georgia used FirstNet devices and apps to switch from land mobile radio to public safety broadband for their communications.
On-demand coverage: Bringing FirstNet coverage beyond fixed cell sites
FirstNet provides an array of on-demand coverage options to go where the mission goes. The fleet of FirstNet deployables includes trucks and drones that provide mobile satellite coverage available at no cost to subscribers. Additionally, FirstNet supports customer-owned-and-managed assets, including Compact Rapid Deployables (CRDs) and miniCRDs, which agencies can deploy on their own. FirstNet had also advanced technologies to boost coverage indoors or at the edges of the network’s coverage area.
See how deployables brought FirstNet coverage to firefighters battling a wildfire of historic size in Colorado.
Local Control: Tools for public safety’s operational needs
FirstNet Central gives agencies unmatched local control. FirstNet’s public safety users can view real-time tower status with the Advanced Network Status Tool, uplift extended primary users like utilities during emergencies, and request no-cost deployables to boost coverage. This level of transparency is unique to FirstNet and supports informed operational planning.
Learn how FirstNet’s response tools make a difference in hurricane response.
FirstNet Lab: Validating first responder technologies
The Boulder FirstNet Lab is a state-of-the-art laboratory in which the FirstNet Authority tests public safety functionality and features unique to the FirstNet network. These include current and future quality of service; priority and preemption; mission critical services and applications; and future public safety functions. Testing functionality and features for public safety in the lab allows FirstNet Authority engineers to evaluate that responders receive the prioritized user experience expected and as designed for them on the network.
Schedule a visit to see the FirstNet Lab for yourself.
Operational support: Public safety expertise to guide your broadband decisions
The FirstNet Authority provides expertise in incorporating FirstNet into your operations. Our Network Experience Engagement Program is available at no cost to public safety agencies interested in pre-incident preparation, post-incident reviews, or exercise planning.
Discover how the FirstNet Authority assists public safety operations at large events like the Super Bowl.
Public safety’s voice: is an integral part of a network built for public safety, by public safety
Through targeted engagements and outreach, the FirstNet Authority ensures the network reflects the needs of its public safety users. Our staff have developed collaborative relationships with the public safety community to understand their challenges, identify opportunities, and guide the future of FirstNet. Public safety input helps us continue to evolve a secure, reliable, and resilient network.
Connect with a Senior Public Safety Advisor in your state or territory to learn more about FirstNet and share your feedback.
Government oversight and investment: Provides federal assurances for the network
FirstNet is the only public safety broadband network backed by the federal government. Congress created the FirstNet Authority to ensure the buildout, operation, and maintenance of the network, and our staff monitors deliverables of the contract and performance of the network. The FirstNet Authority also invests in the network to meet the needs of first responders — now and in the future. Our strategic investments enable FirstNet to keep pace with technology, deliver innovation, and provide coverage where public safety operates.
Learn more about the FirstNet Authority.