FirstNet Authority, in collaboration with network partner AT&T, announced an investment initiative aimed at revolutionizing public safety communications.
The initiative, with $8 billion allocated over the next 10 years, aims to evolve and expand FirstNet, America’s dedicated network for first responders.
The investment plan, led by the FirstNet Authority, will commit $6.3 billion to the network agreement with AT&T, with an additional $2 billion earmarked for continued coverage enhancements, subject to continued consultation. These strategic investments are designed to keep FirstNet at the forefront of innovative lifesaving technology and empower public safety agencies across the country.
FirstNet already has significant coverage, more than any other network in the United States. With over 5.5 million connections and 27,500 participating public safety agencies and organizations, FirstNet ensures reliable communications for first responders.
This landmark announcement marks the start of the next phase of FirstNet’s development, featuring a 10-year investment plan that includes:
Priority and Preemption: FirstNet public safety will benefit from always-on priority and preemption across all AT&T 5G commercial spectrum starting in March.
Mobile Site Expansion: Thousands of new dedicated FirstNet mobile sites are being built across the country, with 1,000 new sites planned to be built within the next two years. The additional investment over 10 years will focus on enhancing Band 14 coverage to support public safety response operations.
Standalone 5G Core: The establishment of the Standalone 5G Core will enhance the current 5G capabilities on FirstNet with specific public safety capabilities and facilitate the transition of public safety Band 14 spectrum from LTE to 5G.
Mission-critical services: Comprehensive upgrades to enhance voice, video, data, and location services, complementing public safety’s existing wireless systems with reliable wireless connectivity.
Deployable Network Assets: Public Safety’s dedicated fleet of deployable network assets will be upgraded with 5G connectivity to enhance operational safety, security, and resiliency.
Future-ready: The network is ready for future technological advancements beyond 5G, ensuring it continues to meet the evolving needs of public safety.
This strategic investment initiative highlights FirstNet’s vital role as a catalyst for technology and innovation in public safety. The network has cultivated a robust ecosystem of mission-centric apps, solutions, and purpose-built connections tailored to public safety efforts.
With the initial buildout of FirstNet complete, the effort will focus on expanding public safety’s access to Band 14 spectrum in the near term, with periodic coverage enhancements. FirstNet Authority works closely with public safety stakeholders across states, territories, and tribal lands to identify areas that require a broader response.
The transition to a 5G network will enable FirstNet to keep pace with evolving technologies and standards, ensuring users faster speeds, increased capacity, and improved quality of service. During this transition period, the existing FirstNet 4G LTE network will remain fully operational, maintaining the high level of service that first responders expect.
The deployment of an integrated, standalone 5G core is particularly important, allowing FirstNet to embrace future technology advancements specific to public safety while maintaining the prioritization and preemption capabilities essential for mission-critical communications.
