This blog is a repost from TribalHub, originally published in the Spring 2024 edition.
At the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority), it is our mission to ensure the building, deployment, and operation of FirstNet, the nationwide public safety broadband network. In December 2023, we announced the official validation of the initial five-year buildout of the network, marking the completion of all state commitments and contractual milestones on time, on budget, and within scope.
Today, FirstNet covers more than 2.91 million square miles nationwide. On tribal lands, the FirstNet coverage footprint increased by more than 40% between 2020 and 2022. We remain committed to bringing broadband to all first responders — including those operating in tribal, rural, or remote areas.
An evolving network for tribal public safety
The FirstNet Authority is continuously making investments to grow and evolve the network for America’s first responders. Now that FirstNet’s initial buildout is complete, we are ushering in the next phase of FirstNet through a series of strategic investments focused on network evolution.
The investments, which total more than $8 billion over 10 years, will enhance mission-critical services, bring full 5G to FirstNet, and expand coverage for responders through thousands of new, purpose-built FirstNet cell sites across the country — including 1,000 new sites within the next two years.
By transitioning to a fully 5G network, FirstNet will achieve greater capacity and lower latency. This means the network will be able to move more data faster, allowing for the transmission of high-quality video, more accurate imaging, better situational awareness, and real-time voice and data sharing.
For tribal public safety, this has many benefits. EMS officials will be able to share high-quality, nearly real time video with hospitals to support telemedicine. Emergency communications leaders will be able to establish remote dispatch centers. Law enforcement will be able to transform patrol cars into mobile offices, allowing officers to stay in the field longer rather than returning to headquarters to file reports. These are just a few examples of the many innovative ways the public safety community will be able to take advantage of 5G on FirstNet.
Advocating for tribal public safety through the Tribal Working Group
The FirstNet Authority remains committed to working closely with the tribal community as we expand and evolve FirstNet. Our Tribal Working Group (TWG) is composed of delegates from various disciplines, organizations, and tribes. Through monthly teleconference meetings and regular in-person meetings, the TWG provides valuable feedback on the challenges tribal public safety officials are facing and what they need from public safety’s network.
With the TWG’s help, the FirstNet Authority is able to provide critical outreach and education to federally recognized Tribal Nations. As we embark on the next phase of FirstNet’s evolution, we will work with the TWG and the larger tribal community to ensure the network evolves to meet their unique needs.
