Investment

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.

Wherever law enforcement officers work, they need fast and reliable connectivity. One of the most important innovations for public safety communications is 5G. With 5G, wireless connectivity can move more data at greater speeds in near real time. 5G will have a big impact on the ability of officers to do their jobs safely and efficiently.

With 5G, first responders will have access to more data in near real time. And through a series of strategic investments, the FirstNet Authority is working to bring these capabilities to public safety. Discover why 5G is essential to the future of emergency response and how FirstNet’s evolution makes this a reality.

The FirstNet Authority is investing $6.3 billion to enhance 5G capabilities on FirstNet. This is a major strategic investment in the future of public safety communications. 5G on FirstNet will generate faster speeds, enhance the quality of service for first responders, and drive innovations in mission critical services.

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Annual Report to Congress highlights the achievements and continued progress that the FirstNet Authority has made throughout FY 2023. Details of the FirstNet Authority’s milestone successes in ensuring the deployment of the FirstNet network and securing the renewal of its Band 14 license by the Federal Communications Commission demonstrate a continued commitment to innovation and serving our nation’s public safety community.

The First Responder Network Authority is launching the next phase of FirstNet through a series of strategic investments totaling more than $8 billion over 10 years. The FirstNet Authority and its network partner, AT&T, join to unveil the latest network investment of $6.3 billion, delivering full 5G capabilities on FirstNet, expanded mission-critical services, and enhanced coverage.

The First Responder Network Authority is evolving and expanding FirstNet, the nationwide public safety broadband network, through strategic network investments. At a special board meeting, the FirstNet Authority Board took action to increase coverage on the network and accelerate FirstNet’s transition to a full 5G network.

FirstNet Authority Board member Sean McDevitt knows telecommunications. As a Board member, Sean leverages his more than 30 years in the information technology and telecommunications industry to help enhance the nation’s public safety wireless broadband network. Sean shares insights on the evolution of technology, FirstNet’s pivotal role in keeping first responders connected, and the next phase of the network.

FirstNet’s Cell Booster Pro is a valuable tool for EMS to bridge the gap between FirstNet service in the field and when responders return to the station. This in-building solution boosts FirstNet coverage indoors where EMS officials work. Two EMS agencies that use the device share their experiences and advice for other agencies.

As AT&T reaches near completion of its initial Band 14 infrastructure buildout, the FirstNet Authority turns its focus to solutions that will let public-safety users access the nationwide publi

In the Fiscal Year 2022 Annual Report to Congress, the FirstNet Authority highlights efforts to advance public safety communications technology through innovation and insight. The report details the forward-thinking, state-of-the-art technology made available to the public safety community through FirstNet and ongoing efforts by the FirstNet Authority to enhance the nationwide public safety broadband network.

First responders across the country put their lives on the line to keep Americans safe. Our nation’s public safety community is at the heart of the FirstNet Authority’s mission. On October 28, we recognize their sacrifices and contributions on National First Responders Day.

During September, we remember the tragedy of the 9/11 attacks and recognize National Preparedness Month. These events serve as poignant reminders that emergencies can happen at any time, and it is critical for first responders to be prepared. The FirstNet Authority is working to strengthen emergency preparedness through ensuring the men and women of public safety can communicate when and where disaster strikes.

The First Responder Network Authority Board approved a $358 million budget package to fund the agency’s operations and potential network investments in Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23). Meeting in Los Angeles, the Board allocated the majority of the FY23 budget for enhancements and upgrades to FirstNet, the nationwide public safety broadband network.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Public Safety Communications Research Division (PSCR) frequently collaborates with the First Responder Network Authority to advance public safety communications. Whether partnering on prize challenges, standards development, R&D testing, or the Public Safety Immersive Test Center, the two organizations are working together to spur technology development for first responders.

The FirstNet Authority Board approved an investment to expand services for network coverage via small-cell technologies. The investment aims to increase FirstNet coverage where public safety agencies operate indoors, such as police headquarters, fire stations, Emergency Communication Centers, and other critical sites and field locations.