Investment

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

When a person calls 9-1-1 to report an emergency, they rely on Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) to quickly and efficiently send help to the right place. As emergency communications technology evolves and the needs of responders change with it, the FirstNet Authority is committed to ensuring PSAPs have the tools and connectivity they need to answer the call and save lives.

The FirstNet Authority makes strategic investments to enhance and evolve FirstNet. Learn about this process and how public safety informs investment decisions in this discussion with FirstNet Authority Acting Assistant Executive Director for Innovation and Investment, Brian Hobson.

In 2024, the FirstNet Authority took bold and decisive actions to evolve FirstNet and make FirstNet the best possible network for first responders. In 2025, the FirstNet Authority will continue to advance strategic investments, expand coverage across the nation, and build relationships with public safety leaders.

AT&T announced a new FirstNet cell site during a special event in Hagerstown, Maryland that featured federal and county officials, local public safety personnel, business leaders, and representatives from AT&T. This new site is part of AT&T and the FirstNet Authority’s 10-year, $8+ billion investment commitment into the FirstNet network – including launching 1,000 new cell sites to further expand the reach of public safety’s dedicated Band 14 spectrum across the country by the end of 2025.

Access to broadband on tribal lands has long been a challenge for tribal public safety officials. Through ongoing investments in coverage for tribal and rural areas, as well as continued partnerships with tribal leadership, the FirstNet Authority remains committed to improving coverage and ensuring the FirstNet network meets the needs of responders in Indian Country.

Public Affairs Specialist Molly Hahn sits down with FirstNet Authority Board Secretary Jennifer Watts to discuss the FirstNet Authority Board at its core. Learn about the Board’s roles and responsibilities, who makes up the Board, and their efforts in support of the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network. 

The story of America’s first responders on September 11 is a story of courage and sacrifice. The public safety community stood up for the American people and put the nation’s safety and security first. Today, we remember the tragedies of September 11 through our work at the FirstNet Authority. We are committed to delivering a network that keeps responders connected when it matters most.

The First Responder Network Authority is moving forward on its plans to expand FirstNet, the nationwide public safety broadband network, and enhance coverage where first responders need it, including in tribal, territorial, and rural areas. The FirstNet Authority Board approved plans to advance a ten-year initiative in which the FirstNet Authority will make ongoing investments of approximately $2 billion to expand FirstNet and improve coverage for public safety users.

As a federal agency serving the public safety community, the FirstNet Authority works with public safety agencies to evaluate their communications capabilities. We offer an Operational Capabilities Workshop to help determine what technologies they have and identify any gaps in incident response. The workshops also help develop preparedness plans that leverage all technology options available to an agency.

The FirstNet Authority Board approved a $684 million budget package to fund operations and network enhancements in Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25), including investments to expand coverage and evolve the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network.

The FirstNet Authority Board approved a full 5G upgrade to the FirstNet wireless network. This investment will extend 5G service to all FirstNet users across the U.S., bringing faster service and more capacity to first responders.

With the initial five-year build-out of FirstNet complete, the FirstNet Authority is focusing on evolving the network to 5G. This has many benefits for tribal first responders, including enhanced situational awareness and real-time data sharing.