Coverage

Tennessee integrated FirstNet into its statewide public safety radio system, the Tennessee Advanced Communications Network (TACN), to provide redundant, resilient communications for first responders. From tornados that destroyed radio infrastructure to a daring flood rescue during Hurricane Helene, FirstNet provided the coverage to keep responders connected in crucial moments.

In Drums, Pennsylvania, U.S. Congressman Rob Bresnahan and the FirstNet Authority joined local first responders, public safety officials, and community leaders to celebrate a new hilltop cell site, which improves coverage and capacity around Luzerne County. The new site will strengthen reliable communications, helping public safety stay connected.

In June 2025, the FirstNet Authority participated in the quarterly 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) plenary meetings. The FirstNet Authority represents public safety’s needs and advocates for continued American leadership for public safety communications.

In Swaine County, North Carolina, U.S. Senator Ted Budd and the FirstNet Authority joined local first responders, public safety officials, and company leaders to celebrate a new cell site delivering improved connectivity in Bryson City and rural Swain County and a new FirstNet collaboration with the North Carolina 911 Board.

High-Power User Equipment, or HPUE, gives public safety the power to punch through and maintain connection to the FirstNet network when traditional devices might slow or drop off entirely. At the edge of the network’s reach, HPUE improves connectivity and uplink data speeds. With the increased signal, first responders can keep communicating with better range, coverage, penetration, and capacity for their devices.

U.S. Representative Russell Fry (SC-07) joined representatives from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, FirstNet Authority and AT&T to celebrate 5G wireless infrastructure upgrades on cell sites throughout Marion County. This upgrade strengthens their emergency response capabilities and supports those who serve on the front lines every day.

Boulder County Sheriff’s Office deployed a FirstNet Compact Rapid Deployable (CRD) to Gold Hill, a remote area with poor cellular coverage, to maintain emergency 9 -1-1 connectivity during a planned power outage. The CRD ensured people could still access help, regardless of their carrier, and allowed responders to communicate while responding to incidents.

The FirstNet Authority, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and AT&T joined public safety officials and community leaders in Alamance County, North Carolina to celebrate wireless infrastructure upgrades on cell sites in the county. The upgrades will help local first responders better communicate and serve their community.

During the St. Thomas Carnival, the U.S. Virgin Islands’ public safety community enlisted support from the First Responder Network Authority’s Network Engagement Experience Program to prepare for the annual event. This pre-event guidance helped address communication and coordination challenges during the large-scale event and laid the groundwork for future emergency preparedness in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

FirstNet, the nationwide public safety broadband network, is designed and built to meet public safety’s needs.

When the Groundhog Day annual ceremony attracted more than 50,000 visitors to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania State Police alongside local, state, and federal agencies, tapped into operational assistance from the FirstNet Authority. The FirstNet Authority worked closely with public safety officials to evaluate network coverage and ensure reliable communication for the event. Throughout the day, FirstNet provided high-speed coverage that allowed the multiple agencies to coordinate seamlessly and respond swiftly to emerging needs.

For public safety agencies that rely on FirstNet, the FirstNet Authority offers critical support through planning support, post-event reviews, and workshops that help agencies assess their current communications capabilities, identify coverage gaps, and implement strategies for improvement. Whether preparing for an event or evaluating response after an incident, FirstNet Authority operational assistance can help public safety agencies enhance their FirstNet experience and improve overall readiness to better support their communities.

In March 2025, the FirstNet Authority participated in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) 6G workshop, followed by the quarterly 3GPP plenary meetings. The workshop and meetings focused on progressing features important to public safety. The FirstNet Authority continued to represent public safety interests.

The Amherst Fire Department in Massachusetts is transforming the city’s public safety communications with broadband technology. Chief Lindsay Stromgren details the college town’s journey from traditional radio systems to the advanced functionalities of push-to-talk on FirstNet.

The FirstNet Authority works with public safety to ensure they have reliable coverage. Learn about the FirstNet solutions that are available to keep responders connected, wherever emergencies happen.

The FirstNet Authority holds coverage enhancement workshops across the country for public safety agencies to identify potential areas for network coverage. New Hampshire became the first state to host a coverage enhancement workshop and identified areas in the state that need coverage improvements.

EMS personnel must be able to rely on their communications — especially during worst-case scenarios. Assistant Chief Troy Harmison of Bondurant Emergency Services in Iowa shared how a communications failure at a critical moment changed how his agency managed communications.

Since the earliest days of FirstNet, first responders have emphasized the need for temporary coverage solutions that are readily available and can support planned and unplanned incidents. The FirstNet Authority created the deployable program to bring these solutions to public safety. FirstNet deployable assets provide first responders with portable coverage solutions designed to restore and enhance communication capabilities where they are needed.

Home to multiple U.S. Army commands, NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, two federal law enforcement agencies, and even a 35,000-acre wildlife refuge, Redstone Arsenal requires seamless collaboration from its public safety community. Hear from Deputy Fire Chief Robert Simmons and Operations Specialist Marcel Chevalier of Redstone Arsenal Fire and Emergency Services, as they discuss how FirstNet keeps the base communicating. Explore how FirstNet supports federal operations at: FirstNet.Gov/Federal

In northeastern Kansas, volunteer firefighters respond to incidents that have increasingly grown more intense in the area. Bigger and faster fires mean dependable communications are key to protecting the community. Shawnee County Fire District #4 installed FirstNet High Power User Equipment and routers in their firetrucks, keeping firefighters connected across the rural landscape.