Skip to main content

An official website of the United States government

Blog

Never Forget 9/11/2001

The bravery of the firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMS personnel and other public safety personnel on that day is something America will never forget and always be grateful for. Their courage and resolve inspired many to public service and pushed those already serving to help their communities better prepare for any circumstance. FirstNet, America’s nationwide public safety broadband network, is one of those efforts that derived from the events on 9/11.

Now as first responders begin to take advantage of FirstNet in communities nationwide, we have a new opportunity for GPS-enabled devices to help save lives.

The FCC updated its location accuracy requirements in 2015, recognizing that technologies such as “Assisted GPS” offered opportunities for even greater improvements in location accuracy. And just this summer, Apple announced that its next software update will automatically make device-based location information available through its integration partner(s) (only one has been announced to date) to 911 centers when a person calls 911, thanks to a suite of technologies including Wi-Fi, cellular towers and GPS.

The words "30,000 people descended on Orem, Utah's Summerfest Celebratin" over an image of motocyclists in the parade watched by onlookers on the side of the road

As FirstNet subscribers, first responders in Orem, Utah experience interoperable communication with other agencies in the region and across state borders without experiencing congested networks during large-scale events like Summerfest.

Close up of a phone displaying storm maps in Connecticut

Every day and in every emergency, FirstNet is here to support the needs of public safety. From making sure first responders are connected when they need it most to scanning the horizon for the most useful public safety communication innovations, the First Responder Network Authority is committed to advocating for the lifesaving communications technology first responders need on the job.

Pictured left to right sitting at a table with displays showing maps behind them: Gainesville (FL) Fire Chief Jeff Lane; Police Chief Tony Jones; Asst. Police Chief Terry Pierce; and Public Works Director Phil Mann.

No community is immune to emergencies or disasters. In every state, county, and municipality—across all levels of government and branches of public service—there are dedicated men and women working to prepare for and respond to incidents to keep communities safe and aid in recovery.