FirstNet Core
Coverage is king for public safety communications. Since its creation, the FirstNet Authority has focused on ensuring first responders have coverage and connectivity whenever and wherever they need it. Deployables, high power user equipment, and a focus on 5G are some of the new ways FirstNet subscribers can get coverage in hard-to-reach areas.
FirstNet is bringing dedicated network services to officers with the Calexico Police Department in California. Features on FirstNet built for public safety ensure officers can communicate and connect to the resources they need.
Lineman and employees with Oklahoma Electric Cooperative are using FirstNet to connect to each other, access reports, and provide mapping while responding to natural disasters and everyday emergencies.
Public safety agencies and organizations in thousands of communities across the country are staying connected with FirstNet, Built with AT&T. The public safety community on FirstNet has access to the nation’s largest coverage footprint, reaching more than 2.81 million square miles across the country.
In 2021, the FirstNet Authority delivered its first investments in public safety’s network to help drive a differentiated, dedicated, and enduring network to support first responders. In 2022, the FirstNet Authority will continue to advance public safety communications through close engagement with first responders and expansions in 5G and mission-critical solutions.
When Mason County, West Virginia needed broadband for their public safety agencies, they considered many options and ultimately decided to go with FirstNet because of coverage. Now all EMS agencies in this rural county use FirstNet for their communications, making a difference for providers and patients alike, especially when ambulance rides can be 45 minutes to the nearest advanced care hospital.
The tragedies of 9/11 underscored fundamental problems with communication systems used by our nation’s first responders. In the 20 years since 9/11, technology has changed rapidly. Fortunately, dedicated public safety broadband offered by FirstNet is providing fire departments with powerful new capabilities and modernizing their communications.
During its third quarterly meeting of 2021, the FirstNet Authority Board approved a $253 million budget for Fiscal Year 2022, with a focus on overseeing deployment of the nationwide public safety broadband network, supporting public safety engagement on their communications priorities, and directing investments in the network based on public safety’s feedback.
FirstNet is making a difference for law enforcement agencies across the nation—in both daily operations and at big events, whether planned or unplanned. In northern Virginia, the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office relies on FirstNet for everyday use, emergencies, and large events. They also partner with other FirstNet users in the region to collaborate on how to best use the network.
Brian Schoonmaker was named Chief of Police in Hazleton, Pennsylvania in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis. With FirstNet, Chief Schoonmaker jumped right into developing policies to keep the community and police officers safe during this unprecedented event.
The National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) is a national association representing all EMS practitioners, including paramedics, EMTs, and other emergency response personnel. As a member of the FirstNet Authority’s Public Safety Advisory Committee, NAEMT provides input on issues that are essential to emergency medical technicians.
The Pennington County Sheriff’s Office in South Dakota covers a diverse jurisdiction, from the Badlands to Black Elk Peak. Communication is key for deputies in every part of the largely rural county. FirstNet provides the coverage and capacity they need when seconds count.
The First Responder Network Authority is pleased to unveil the 2020 FirstNet Roadmap. The newly updated Roadmap incorporates feedback from thousands of public safety stakeholders and reflects emerging technology trends identified by academic and industry experts in the fields of communications and technology. The Roadmap is central to the delivery of a differentiated broadband communications experience for public safety.
FirstNet is building new cell sites as well as upgrading existing cell sites in New York state, bringing Band 14 to local first responders. This enhanced coverage gives public safety uninterrupted access to the network and the resources they need.
Download a summary of the roadmap priorities for the FirstNet Core.
The First Responder Network Authority Board today approved the first set of investments for enhancing FirstNet, the nationwide public safety broadband network. Specifically, the Board approved more than $200 million for initial network upgrades to set FirstNet on the path to 5G and to expand the dedicated fleet of deployable assets.