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.

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 evolution of technology has changed the landscape of search and rescue missions — clearing radio airwaves for essential traffic and mission critical information. Travis Hull, Kate Cummings, Ben Lawrence, and Jason Day explore how broadband solutions have increased operation efficiencies, live at 5x5: The Public Safety Innovation Summit. 

When an underground fire led to a total power outage in downtown Baltimore, first responders found themselves in the dark and without radio communications. The Baltimore City Sheriff's Office arrived on scene and deployed FirstNet devices for the first time--within minutes, they were communicating and coordinating response. In the months since, the agency has integrated FirstNet into daily operations, helping deputies capture data in the field, maintain communications during long prisoner transports across Maryland, and tackle innovative approaches to law enforcement.

A new space race has launched — this time in the cellular world. The FirstNet Authority’s Jeff Bratcher and Pat Schwinghammer, AT&T’s Mohammad Baig, and Gypsum Fire Chief Justin Kirkland discuss what satellite-to-device services could mean for public safety live at 5x5: The Public Safety Innovation Summit.

The FirstNet Authority Government Engagement team collaborates with federal agencies with a public safety, emergency management, or homeland security mission – such as the Department of Defense (DOD) – to advance and support broadband technology planning and operations. To learn more about how we work with federal agencies, visit FirstNet.gov/Federal