FirstNet: Collaborating for Safer Communities

By:

NLC Partnerships

October 17, 2024 - (3 min read)

Author: Carrie Johnson, AVP, External Affairs Federal Relations at AT&T

Football season is well underway, with Friday night lights, Saturday college rivalries, and Sunday afternoon gridiron clashes drawing fan bases of all sizes to cheer for their teams.  

In addition, with holiday festivals and community parades, local communities are seeing more crowds and celebrations.  

In those environments with their inherent confusion and chaos – no matter the size of the community or the size of the crowd – communication is critical. Since 2017, FirstNet has been essential to ensuring our first responders can communicate effectively. 

Created through bipartisan action by the U.S. Congress, FirstNet is the only nationwide, high-speed, wireless communications network built with and for first responders and those who support emergency operations. 

Today, more than 28,500 public safety organizations are subscribed to FirstNet, with more than 6.1 million connections. 

These agencies are reliably connected to a network offering more than 2.97 million square miles of coverage – the nation’s largest wireless coverage footprint. They are benefiting from the ability to use FirstNet to enhance their cross-agency and cross-jurisdictional communication; and they have access to more than 180 deployable assets in FirstNet’s dedicated fleet – available free of charge during planned and emergency events. 

More than 28,500 public safety organizations are subscribed to FirstNet.

FirstNet users have highly secure, prioritized access to the network, and FirstNet’s always-on priority and preemption means they don’t compete with the general public for critical connectivity. 

While this successful public-private partnership has invested significantly to expand and enhance the FirstNet network, it has also invested heavily in the development of innovative tools, technologies, and features specifically designed for public safety based on their direct feedback and needs.  

Without question, the benefits of FirstNet are real, tangible and help first responders save lives. 

And much the same as a first responder’s job never ends, our effort to grow, improve, and enhance FirstNet never ends. Earlier this year, the FirstNet Authority announced plans to invest $6.3 billion to keep pace with advancements in the global wireless industry, including 5G upgrades, a standalone 5G core, and continued investment in mission-critical services. In addition, the FirstNet Authority is moving forward with an additional $2 billion reinvestment in expanded coverage enhancements for public safety. 

We are committed to first responders and share their passion for serving communities of all sizes across the country.  

Connect with AT&T at City Summit!

Join AT&T for a solution session at the NLC City Summit, November 13-16, in Tampa, Florida. Hear directly from public safety officers about how FirstNet works in their communities.

Visit the NLC Strategic Partnerships page to learn more about the organizations like AT&T dedicated to making NLC the premier resource for local governments.