Coverage
Public safety professionals asked for a network they can rely on — and the FirstNet Authority is answering that call.
Through Coverage Enhancement Workshops, the FirstNet Authority works alongside public safety nationwide to identify coverage needs and ensure network investments meet those needs.
The FirstNet Authority understands that coverage must be expanded in strategic areas that reflect the needs of public safety. Our Coverage Enhancement Program gathers input from public safety on where they need coverage to help guide strategic network investments. Workshops across the nation have provided a forum for state and local government officials and public safety leaders to meet with FirstNet Authority staff to relay where coverage is inadequate and how that impacts operations.
The FirstNet Authority, in partnership with AT&T, celebrated two new cell sites at Fort Benning and Camp Merrill in Georgia. This new wireless infrastructure brings military personnel and the extended public safety community improved coverage, capacity, and response capabilities.
In rural southern Utah, where red rock canyons, forests, small towns, and wide-open terrain coexist, communications for public safety can be a challenge. Given the dramatic differences in the terrain, Northwest Fire and Rescue turned to FirstNet for a secure, robust and dependable network that provides improved communications and rescue capabilities in the backcountry.
Valley Regional Fire and Rescue relies on FirstNet to maintain mission-critical communications while protecting major interstates, vital infrastructure, and most importantly, their surroundin
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.
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.
FirstNet Authority Board Member Rasheid Scarlett discusses how the FirstNet Authority work and investments are driven by public safety’s feedback and needs. As technology continues to advance, FirstNet puts the needs of first responders at the highest priority.
Trisha Wolford, FirstNet Authority Board Member and Anne Arundel County Fire Chief, shares the importance of trust between public safety and the FirstNet network. As the n
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.
Sandusky, Ohio sees massive population swings — from a tight-knit community of 25,000 to thousands of visitors on peak summer weekends at Cedar Point and Lake Erie — putting pressure on public safety’s ability to communicate. By adopting FirstNet, local fire, police, public works, and other city departments now have reliable connectivity, improved coverage, and a new level of interoperability across agencies.
In Corning, New York, first responders and local government agencies use FirstNet to enhance public safety and connectivity across city departments.
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.
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.
The FirstNet Authority is expanding FirstNet and strengthening coverage for first responders. through strategic investments in new cell sites, future satellite-to-device capabilities, and stronger indoor coverage. As part of these investments, the FirstNet Authority is directing the network contractor, AT&T, to deploy more than 135 new, purpose-built cell sites across the country.
Ensuring students enjoy their college experience safely is a top priority for campus safety officials at Delaware State University (DSU). At DSU, keeping students safe and first responders connected means making the FirstNet network — the nationwide network dedicated to emergency communication — a key part of its campus safety initiative. FirstNet helps ensure that students can reach university police at all times.
Expanding broadband access on tribal lands is critical to strengthening public safety and supporting the tribal communities they serve. The FirstNet Authority remains committed to improving coverage in tribal and rural areas through ongoing network investments and close collaboration with tribal leadership. Now, Coverage Enhancement Workshops are playing a key role in ensuring the network meets the unique needs of responders in Indian Country.
Hurricane Helene caused widespread devastation throughout the southeast United States in late 2024. Public safety leaders in Tennessee and North Carolina worked with partners across their state to ensure 9-1-1 calls could go through and responders had the communications they needed. FirstNet provided critical redundancy and resiliency during response and recovery efforts.