Investment

The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority)  worked together with the public safety community to understand their critical communications needs. To make use of mobile broadband for daily operations and emergencies, first responders told us they needed the network to be available when and where they needed it most.The FirstNet fleet of deployables now consists of more than 100 assets available to FirstNet subscribers by request.

The Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) held its Spring Business Meeting to discuss the committee’s efforts in 2021 and its ongoing plans to support FirstNet’s growth and expansion. Discussions highlighted accomplishments and business updates in 2021, PSAC Strike Team efforts, and PSAC User Working Group updates.

The National Tribal Emergency Management Council (NTEMC) works to help tribes across the country build sustainable emergency management programs. When the pandemic hit, NTEMC began supporting Indian Country by leading logistics to distribute food and personal protective equipment. NTEMC requested FirstNet deployables to support communications in rural areas, allowing the non-profit to carry out operations.

Over the last four years, this partnership between the FirstNet Authority and AT&T has brought together the very best in the public and private sectors with a singular focus on supporting public safety’s mission. Together, we are delivering on our commitment to the public safety community: to provide a single nationwide, interoperable network for the millions of police, fire, EMS, and public safety workers across the country. Last year, the FirstNet Authority Board directed our first investments for the network, which included initial upgrades to the FirstNet Core to enable access to 5G services for FirstNet subscribers. Today, we are pleased to join AT&T in announcing this initial investment is becoming a reality. FirstNet subscribers will have access to AT&T’s 5G mmWave spectrum in parts of 38 cities and more than 20 venues across the country beginning this month. 

Every year, the FirstNet Authority provides a report to Congress outlining the activities, operations, financial condition, and accomplishments from the previous fiscal year. Tom Shull, FirstNet Authority Director of Legislative Affairs, provides an overview of the FirstNet Authority’s Annual Report to Congress for Fiscal Year 2020.

Leonard S. Weiss, MD, FACEP, FAEMS talks about the importance of having public safety give guidance to the FirstNet Authority. Dr. Weiss is the liaison for NAEMSP on the FirstNet Authority's Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC). Learn more at FirstNet.gov/PSAC and at FirstNet.gov/EMS.

FirstNet is pushing the envelope for public safety communications, opening up new capabilities for emergency managers and the first responders they work with. Through real-time data sharing, tools like the Advanced Network Status Tool, and advances in 5G, FirstNet is shaping the future of emergency management.

The National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP) represents over 1,500 paramedics, physicians, nurses, administrators, educators, and researchers. NAEMSP provides educational resources and evidence-based guidance to its members and partners with organizations and federal agencies as an advocate for EMS-related decisions. As a member of the FirstNet Authority’s Public Safety Advisory Committee, NAEMSP provides input on issues that are essential EMS practitioners.

The FirstNet Authority Public Safety Advocacy team is engaging with public safety to better understand the operational and technical needs of first responders. These engagements give the public safety community important information on the network, the FirstNet Authority Roadmap, and the many resources available for public safety operations.

Edward Horowitz reflects on his time as Chair of the FirstNet Authority Board and shares how his career and personal experiences led him to serve the nation’s public safety community.

On August 17, 2020, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the appointment of Robert Tipton (Tip) Osterthaler to serve as Chair of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) Board. With decades of experience in both the public and private sector, he shares how he will work with public safety and draw on the strengths of FirstNet’s unique public-private partnership to enhance public safety’s network.

The FirstNet Authority Board approved a $213 million budget for Fiscal Year 2021, with a focus on the organization’s operations and its investments into FirstNet, the nationwide public safety broadband network.

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.

Edward Parkinson was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the FirstNet Authority on March 12, 2020. One hundred days into the job, he reflects back on the creation of the FirstNet Authority and how far the organization has come, including recent investments that will prepare the network for the future.

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.

Every year, the FirstNet Authority provides a report to Congress, outlining the activities, operations, financial condition, and accomplishments from the previous fiscal year. Tom Shull, FirstNet Authority Director of Government Affairs, provides an overview of the FirstNet Authority’s Annual Report to Congress for Fiscal Year 2019.

When disaster strikes or large crowds gather, public safety officials need a broadband network they can rely on to remain connected. FirstNet’s fleet of deployables is an important resource for emergency managers for planned and unplanned events to ensure that connection is available. First Responder Network Authority Senior Public Safety Advisor Timothy Pierce describes the deployables that are available to FirstNet subscribers and how those resources can make a difference for first responders.

At its year-end meeting, the FirstNet Authority Board highlighted major areas of progress for FirstNet and outlined its priorities to ensure the continued evolution of the network and organization. This year saw continued momentum for FirstNet with expanded network deployment and growth in new public safety subscribers. Today, there are more than one million connections being used by more than 10,000 public safety agencies on FirstNet.

The FirstNet Authority has always relied on input and feedback from public safety, and with the release of the Roadmap, the FirstNet Authority is continuing this engagement with stakeholders in a new, targeted manner. David Buchanan, FirstNet Authority Executive Director of Public Safety, describes this new approach and how it will help inform the evolution and improvement of the network.

Expanding deployable assets, upgrading the FirstNet core to be 5G Ready are focus of first investments opportunities aligned with public safety priorities in FirstNet Authority Roadmap