Coverage

After the tragedies of September 11, 2001 highlighted fundamental issues within the nation’s first responder communications systems, the 9/11 Commission recommended creating a single, nationwide broadband network for public safety. The FirstNet Authority was created through the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act to carry out that recommendation. Today, the FirstNet Authority is working to keep public safety connected during every emergency.

The FirstNet Authority is excited to participate in the National Association of Emergency Medical Technician’s World Trauma Symposium virtual conference. FirstNet Authority staff will host a virtual booth to share information and answer questions about how FirstNet supports emergency medical services.

The Office of Unified Communications (OUC) in Washington D.C. is responsible for 9-1-1 and 3-1-1 calls in the nation’s capital, as well as dispatch services and radio communications for D.C. first responders. The OUC handles nearly 3.5 million emergency and non-emergency calls each year. When the pandemic hit, the OUC turned to FirstNet MiFis to support remote telework for 3-1-1 and non-emergency 9-1-1 call takers, keeping staff safe while answering the call for D.C. residents and visitors. 

Easton’s first responders got a major boost in their wireless communications with the addition of a new, purpose-built cell site. The site – located in Easton – is part of the FirstNet network expansion taking place in Connecticut, which is bringing increased coverage, capacity and capability to first responders across the state.

Stonington’s first responders got a major boost in their wireless communications with the addition of a new, purpose-built cell site. The site – located in Stonington – is part of the FirstNet network expansion taking place in Maine, which is bringing increased coverage, capacity and capability to first responders across the state.

The International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) is dedicated to promoting the principles of emergency management and the work of those who protect communities during emergencies and disasters. As a member of the FirstNet Authority’s Public Safety Advisory Committee, IAEM provides input on issues that are essential to emergency managers.

Download a quick summary of the FirstNet Authority's roadmap for coverage and capacity.

The Makah Tribe has called the Pacific Northwest home for thousands of years. With over 1,100 square miles of land and sea to patrol and the looming threat of tsunamis, reliable communications are crucial for the tribe’s first responders. Like many tribes across Indian Country, the Makah Tribe is looking to FirstNet to help solve their communication challenges.

Public safety agencies must be prepared for anything during hurricane season. When a hurricane hits, it can cause severe damage to city buildings and cellular network infrastructure. FirstNet supports first responders, like Miami-Dade Fire Rescue in Florida, ensuring they can communicate during and after major storms.

New York’s first responders are getting a major boost in their wireless communications with the addition of 22 new, purpose-built FirstNet cell sites and other network enhancements. This new infrastructure is part of the FirstNet network expansion taking place across the state, bringing increased coverage, capacity and capabilities for public safety.

When Otterbein University in Ohio played host to the 2019 Democratic presidential debate, thousands flocked to the City of Westerville to attend. During the event, the Westerville Police Department used FirstNet and drones to capture live, high-definition video and relay it to the emergency operations center, improving situational awareness and decision making.

Southwest Indiana’s first responders got a major boost in their wireless communications with the addition of new, purpose-built FirstNet cell sites and other public safety-specific network enhancements across the area. This new infrastructure is a part of the FirstNet network expansion taking place across the state, bringing increased coverage, capacity and capabilities for public safety.

North Carolina first responders got a major boost in their wireless communications with the addition of 5 new, purpose-built FirstNet cell sites and other network enhancements. This new infrastructure is a part of the FirstNet network expansion taking place across the state, bringing increased coverage, capacity and capabilities for public safety.

First responders got a major boost in their wireless communications with the addition of new, purpose-built cell sites. The sites – located in five counties – are part of the FirstNet network expansion taking place in New Jersey which is bringing increased coverage, capacity and capability to first responders across the state.

The Saint Louis region is home to 88 municipalities across 523 square miles. For public safety officials in this area of Missouri, interoperability is key. To meet this need, the Clayton Fire Department is using FirstNet to connect to other first responders, access data on the scene of incidents, and enhance situational awareness and patient care.

Goshen’s first responders got a major boost in their wireless communications with the addition of a new, purpose-built cell site. The site – located in Northwestern Connecticut – is part of the FirstNet network expansion taking place in Connecticut which is bringing increased coverage, capacity and capability to first responders across the state

Delaware’s first responders got a major boost in their wireless communications with the addition of purpose-built FirstNet cell sites and other network enhancements statewide. This new infrastructure is a part of the FirstNet network expansion taking place across the state, bringing increased coverage, capacity and capabilities for public safety.

Pennsylvania’s first responders got a major boost in their wireless communications with the addition of new, purpose-built FirstNet cell sites and other network enhancements statewide. These sites were identified by state and public safety stakeholders as priority locations, bringing increased coverage, capacity and capabilities for first responders.

Maryland’s first responders are got a major boost in their wireless communications with the addition of new, purpose-built FirstNet cell sites and other network enhancements statewide. The sites help Maryland’s first responders connect to the critical information they need – every day and in every emergency.

Vermont’s public safety community will see enhanced capabilities due to the launch of 2 new, purpose-built FirstNet cell sites in North Bennington and West Bridgewater. These sites were identified by state and public safety stakeholders as priority locations. With FirstNet, it’s about where first responders need connectivity. That’s what is driving our FirstNet network expansion.