Roadmap

The FirstNet Authority’s public-private partnership with AT&T achieved a major milestone by completing the initial network buildout in all 50 states, 5 territories, and the District of Columbia. This buildout serves as a launching pad for the future of FirstNet, or FirstNet 3.0. Executive Director Joe Wassel identifies three keys to success in evolving the network in a way that is strategic and meets public safety’s needs.

In this second blog of a two-part series, Executive Director and CEO Joe Wassel offers his insights on his first 100 days at the FirstNet Authority. After immersing himself in public safety engagement, contract oversight, and program management efforts, Joe shares his insights on the importance of these critical functions to the success of FirstNet.

The FirstNet Authority Roadmap guides programs, activities, and investments to enhance FirstNet. The 2023 update to the Roadmap was created with feedback from public safety and aligns the FirstNet Authority’s efforts with the ongoing operational needs of responders.

Learn more about the 2023 FirstNet Authority Roadmap.

Download the 2023 FirstNet Authority Roadmap.

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.

The FirstNet Authority Roadmap lays out six domains that public safety identified as critical to the network’s success. The User Experience domain helps to provide public safety with an intuitively designed user experience on the FirstNet network. The FirstNet Authority engaged with public safety to develop a deep understanding of how first responders interact with the FirstNet network through devices and applications, as well as their needs and expectations of the network.

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.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the legislation that created the FirstNet Authority. From our earliest days, the FirstNet Authority has collaborated with tribal leadership and organizations to better understand the needs of responders in Indian Country. We are working to expand broadband coverage into tribal communities that have historically lacked access to reliable communication services and offering advanced technologies to keep them connected.

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) represents American Indian and Alaska Native Tribal governments and promotes the broad interests of Tribes and their citizens. NCAI has been an important member of the Public Safety Advisory Committee, providing input on the unique communications challenges Tribal first responders face.

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.

The FirstNet Authority’s Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) held a business meeting to report on committee operations, the progress of strike teams and working groups, and FirstNet’s most recent accomplishments and activities.

The International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA) is dedicated to the safe installation, operation, and maintenance of public safety systems, representing over 8,800 members employed by government organizations and industry. IMSA has been an important member of the Public Safety Advisory Committee, working to ensure the FirstNet network is designed to support all aspects of public safety’s critical communications needs.

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.

At APCO International’s Annual Conference and Expo, stakeholders from across disciplines come together to discuss topics impacting emergency telecommunications. For the second year, the FirstNet Authority will participate and lead sessions in a FirstNet-specific track, highlighting how the network is supporting emergency communications centers.

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.

Public works officials are a critical component of preparedness and response, working alongside law enforcement, fire, and EMS personnel to respond to emergency events. The American Public Works Association (APWA) serves as the leading organization representing municipal and county public agencies responsible for over 70% of the U.S. road systems and much of the nation’s other public infrastructure. APWA has been a valued member of the PSAC since its inception, making sure that broad interoperability is built into the FirstNet network.

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.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers respond to life-threatening emergencies, serve as part of the community healthcare team, and help safeguard communities nationwide. The National Association of State EMS Officials (NASEMSO) is a nationwide organization that develops EMS policy, acts as a voice for the EMS community, and provides information and research on EMS-related issues. As a member of the FirstNet Authority’s Public Safety Advisory Committee, NASEMSO provides feedback on issues that are important to state EMS officials.  

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.