Coverage

The FirstNet Authority invested in an in-building solution called Cell Booster Pro to bring better indoor FirstNet coverage to police headquarters and other public safety buildings. With this new program, public safety agencies can install up to 50 devices across multiple locations—at no cost to the agency—to boost FirstNet inside the buildings where they work.

First responders in Washington are benefiting from FirstNet’s expanding coverage, boosted capacity, and new capabilities. FirstNet’s Band 14 infrastructure is bringing public safety agencies nationwide access to the network’s unique features and functions.

EMTs and paramedics can be called to duty in incredibly hard-to-reach locations, and they need connectivity where their mission takes them. Compact Rapid Deployables are a unique FirstNet coverage solution that keeps public safety connected even in the toughest spots.

Broadband infrastructure remains limited in rural communities, making it difficult for local public safety to stay connected and respond quickly to emergencies. In Shade Gap, Pennsylvania, this has meant dropped 9-1-1 calls and significant communications challenges for the mountainous area. With the launch of a new FirstNet cell site in Shade Gap, local first responders now have access to high-speed, reliable cellular connectivity that is enhancing public safety for residents and visitors.

Hyannis, Massachusetts, serves as the economic and transportation hub for Cape Cod and as a major tourist destination in the summer months. As the town’s population ebbs and swells throughout the year, the Hyannis Fire Department faces communication challenges. Whether on land or at sea, FirstNet provides personnel with a reliable connection to the information they need to make critical decisions.

Situated on the southern part of Cape Cod in Massachusetts, Hyannis is an economic and transportation hub and a major tourist destination in the summer months. The Hyannis Fire Department responds to fire, medical, and water rescue calls across nine square miles on the cape. As the town’s population ebbs and swells throughout the year, the fire department faces communication challenges. Whether on land or at sea, FirstNet provides personnel with a reliable connection to the information they need to make critical decisions. Learn more: https://firstnet.gov/newsroom/blog/land-and-sea-firstnet-supporting-hyannis-fire-cape

In 2022, the FirstNet Authority reached two major milestones: the 10-year anniversary of the legislation that created FirstNet and the five-year anniversary of the FirstNet Authority’s public-private partnership with AT&T. In the coming years, the FirstNet Authority will continue to build out the network, bring dedicated coverage to urban and rural areas, and invest in cutting-edge public safety technologies.

The National Association of Counties (NACo) represents over 2,300 counties and provides legislative, research, and technical services to help serve the needs of the public. As part of these efforts, NACo works with public safety organizations to establish local priorities and align resources to achieve public safety goals. Through its participation on the Public Safety Advisory Committee, NACo gives local county leaders a voice in ensuring the FirstNet network addresses their emergency communication needs.

First responders in Delaware are benefiting from FirstNet’s expanding coverage, boosted capacity, and new capabilities. FirstNet’s Band 14 infrastructure is bringing public safety agencies nationwide access to the network’s unique features and functions.

Every year during the holidays, the city of St. Augustine in Florida is transformed by millions of holiday lights that bedazzle the city’s downtown in an event called Nights of Lights. As visitors marvel at the twinkling lights, St. Augustine officials use FirstNet to ensure the event runs smoothly and safely for everyone involved.

First responders in West Virginia are benefiting from FirstNet’s expanding coverage, boosted capacity, and new capabilities. FirstNet’s Band 14 infrastructure is bringing public safety agencies nationwide access to the network’s unique features and functions.

First responders in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania are benefiting from FirstNet’s expanded coverage, boosted capacity, and new capabilities. Now with FirstNet infrastructure located near the Shade Gap Volunteer Fire Company, responders are equipped with new tools that access critical information while operating in the field, helping to better serve those who live, work, and visit the surrounding areas.

First responders in Virginia are benefiting from FirstNet’s expanding coverage, boosted capacity, and new capabilities. FirstNet’s Band 14 infrastructure is bringing public safety agencies nationwide access to the network’s unique features and functions.

First responders in Rhode Island are benefiting from FirstNet’s expanding coverage, boosted capacity, and new capabilities. FirstNet’s Band 14 infrastructure is bringing public safety agencies nationwide access to the network’s unique features and functions.

First responders in Maine are benefiting from FirstNet’s expanding coverage, boosted capacity, and new capabilities. FirstNet’s Band 14 infrastructure is bringing public safety agencies nationwide access to the network’s unique features and functions.

The community of Jackman, Maine, has taken an innovative approach to providing emergency care quickly and efficiently. With the help of FirstNet, paramedics in Jackman can conduct telehealth sessions and treat residents at the local health clinic or in their homes, rather than transporting patients to a hospital over an hour away.

The Oxford Police Department is the first public safety agency in Alabama to obtain a FirstNet compact rapid deployable, a miniature cell tower that generates cellular and wi-fi coverage quickly, efficiently, and wherever it’s needed. This advanced technology acts as a solution for challenges that first responders face when trying to stay connected during emergencies, in more rural areas, or during large events where networks can get overwhelmed.

Band 14 infrastructure, FirstNet’s dedicated high-quality spectrum for public safety, has rolled out to over 1,000 cell sites across Oklahoma. This initiative will boost coverage and network capacity and help first responders in over 210 communities in Oklahoma meet both every day and urgent public safety challenges.

With the Band 14 infrastructure implemented by FirstNet, first responders across Arizona will have access to reliable coverage and experience an increased network capacity. Band 14 is a first responder network with a dedicated spectrum set aside for public safety officials to stay connected with each other whether there’s an emergency situation or for more common day-to-day responses.

The third-quarterly Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Plenary e-meetings of 2022 concluded in September. Participants focused on 3GPP Release 18, which will become the inaugural release for 5G Advanced that includes new innovations toward the 5G vision. The plenary meetings made solid progress on the study items and work items that form the basis to advance Release 18 features.