The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced that Mike Cannon has been named the Executive Director and CEO of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority), after most recently serving as the FirstNet Authority Chief Counsel. 

AT&T announced a new FirstNet cell site during a special event in Hagerstown, Maryland that featured federal and county officials, local public safety personnel, business leaders, and representatives from AT&T. This new site is part of AT&T and the FirstNet Authority’s 10-year, $8+ billion investment commitment into the FirstNet network – including launching 1,000 new cell sites to further expand the reach of public safety’s dedicated Band 14 spectrum across the country by the end of 2025.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the appointment of 11 members to serve on the Board of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority). This includes seven new members and four returning Board members who were reappointed to new three-year terms. Secretary Raimondo also appointed Keisha Lance Bottoms to serve as Chair of the Board.

The First Responder Network Authority is moving forward on its plans to expand FirstNet, the nationwide public safety broadband network, and enhance coverage where first responders need it, including in tribal, territorial, and rural areas. The FirstNet Authority Board approved plans to advance a ten-year initiative in which the FirstNet Authority will make ongoing investments of approximately $2 billion to expand FirstNet and improve coverage for public safety users.

The First Responder Network Authority presented the Patriot Award to five leaders in public safety, recognizing their leadership in using FirstNet to make communities safer.