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Valley Regional and Fire helmet on display in front of American flags

Valley Regional Fire and Rescue enhances communications across critical interstate corridors

The rugged terrain and remote geography of Luzerne County, North Carolina have long presented challenges for first responders who depend on communications to protect residents and visitors. With the addition of a new hilltop cell site in Drums, which improves coverage and capacity around Butler Drive and Old Turnpike Road, the Valley Regional Fire and Rescue team and surrounding public safety agencies will now benefit from expanded coverage.

A large conference room filled with rows of people seated at long tables, facing toward five presenters sitting at a dais and two jumbo screens in front of them at a 3GPP meeting

3GPP completes Release 19, while progress begins on 6G work

In December 2025, the FirstNet Authority participated in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) 6G Workshop meetings in Baltimore, Maryland. The meeting highlights included the declaration that Release 19 specifications are frozen, and all the working groups are focused on Release 20, particularly the 6G study activities.

A series of interconnected web of lines and points serving as a backdrop to a close-up view of a first responder’s hand holding a FirstNet-enabled mobile device; The FirstNet Operations Manual report cover.

Optimizing public safety broadband with the FirstNet Operations Manual

The FirstNet Operations Manual is a comprehensive, user-friendly reference designed for all disciplines of public safety — including emergency management, law enforcement, fire services, emergency medical services, and 9-1-1/emergency communications. The manual was developed by experts in FirstNet solutions and operations to provide public safety professionals with the knowledge, tools, and resources to use FirstNet effectively in different situations. Get your questions answered in our new resource for public safety.

Aerial view of small city, river, bridge, and buildings; tree-covered hills with phone tower on top in the distance

City manager taps FirstNet for interoperability, connectivity, and cost savings

In Corning, New York, local leaders are finding new ways to enhance public safety and improve communications across city departments with FirstNet. From real-time body camera streaming to improved data access in emergency vehicles, FirstNet is transforming how the city delivers public safety services while saving money and expanding coverage.

911 call-taker wearing a headset sitting at a desk in a communications center; multiple computer monitors showing maps, data, and emergency calls

Swain County strengthens emergency communications with FirstNet

Swain County, North Carolina’s rugged terrain and remote geography have long presented challenges for first responders who depend on communications to protect residents and visitors. With the addition of a new FirstNet cell tower and integrating the network as a wireless backup solution, the Swain County Emergency Communication Center and surrounding public safety agencies now benefit from expanded coverage and improved backup connectivity.