To prepare for a potential Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake, Pacific Northwest tribal groups participated in a full-scale disaster preparedness exercise called Thunderbird and Whale. This exercise simulated a 9.0 magnitude earthquake and a 100-foot tsunami to help test emergency management plans and communication capabilities during a catastrophic event. Tribal agencies relied on a FirstNet deployable and cache of devices to communicate and coordinate with public safety partners.

For the tenth consecutive year, the FirstNet Authority received an unmodified, or clean, audit opinion on its financial statements for fiscal year 2022. Zero material weaknesses, zero significant deficiencies, and zero management-level control deficiencies were identified.

The FirstNet Authority has made substantial progress over the past five years to improve how the fire service uses voice communications, video, and data. Despite these advances, firefighters continue to search for a device they can use while wearing full protective gear and operating in environments that are immediately dangerous to life or health. So, we’re asking—what should that technology look like?

FirstNet’s Cell Booster Pro is a valuable tool for EMS to bridge the gap between FirstNet service in the field and when responders return to the station. This in-building solution boosts FirstNet coverage indoors where EMS officials work. Two EMS agencies that use the device share their experiences and advice for other agencies.

The Super Bowl — America’s largest sporting event — requires significant pre-planning to ensure the safety of players, staff, and spectators. Coordinating public safety communications for Super Bowl LVII involved more than a dozen different cities and jurisdictions and posed unique challenges, including overlap with another major sporting event the same week. Through the FirstNet Authority’s Network Experience Engagement Program, public safety officials in Arizona received pre-planning assistance for the Super Bowl, helping responders be ready on game day.