Public Safety Broadband Technology Association
Your FirstNet Connection
Congress should reauthorize the FirstNet Authority now.
Support the reauthorization of the FirstNet Authority to preserve public safety’s network
September 8-11, 2025
The Westin Indianapolis
Downtown Hotel & Conference Center
NEWS & PRESS RELEASES
Interoperable Communications for Public Safety | PSBTA
Discover the importance of FirstNet interoperability in public safety, ensuring seamless interoperable communication for first responders during emergencies.
Nationwide coverage for first responders is at risk unless Congress gets their act together
The dedicated public safety broadband network of the United States, known as FirstNet, and built by AT&T under federal contract after the 9/11 attacks is pending reauthorization by Congress according to The Public Safety Broadband Technology Association (PSBTA) which is calling upon legislators to do so quickly or risk losing a network that first-responders rely upon. The current authorization is set to expire in 2027.
The Future of Emergency Response Tech– Balancing Innovation, Integration, and Usability
Among the most anticipated sessions every year at the FirstNet Users Vision Summit are the Think Tanks, where leaders from public safety and the industry come together to brainstorm ways to creatively address challenges and promote advancement. Innovation in public safety communications is in high demand, but when lives are at risk, it also requires absolute trust and reliability in the systems that carry those precious details. At the 2024 Vision Summit held in Las Vegas, NV, the discussion centered around balancing innovation, integration, and usability for all stakeholders. Some key themes that emerged from the conversations were data sharing, AI integration, secure access, and resilience.
The FirstNet Authority Announces Leadership Changes
On behalf of the Public Safety Spectrum Alliance, (PSSA) we thank retiring CEO Joe Wassel for his leadership during a significant phase in FirstNet’s evolution and expansion. Under his guidance, FirstNet completed its initial network buildout, advanced its transition to 5G, and significantly expanded nationwide coverage. Joe laid a strong foundation for FirstNet’s next phase, charting a course for continued innovation and growth.
Ensuring Connectivity in Remote Areas: Bridging the Gap for Public Safety with FirstNet
When members of the Public Safety community gather to discuss the state of Public Safety communications, the ability to provide consistent and reliable communications for their first responders is a top priority. When those agencies cover rural areas or areas with difficult terrain, connectivity challenges become even more significant. This is particularly relevant in regions with challenging terrain, such as mountainous areas or canyons, where expensive infrastructure like fiber is not feasible. So, how can these agencies get and maintain connectivity in areas without traditional infrastructure? As first responders increasingly rely on technology, they must have the necessary tools that simply work, regardless of location. These topics, and more, were part of the dialogue at the 2024 Vision Summit for FirstNet Users held last September in Las Vegas. Thought leaders from fire, law enforcement, EMS, and industry gathered to discuss their current and future connectivity needs.
Public-Safety and Government Groups Express Support for Congress to Reauthorize the FirstNet
Working toward reauthorization, the FirstNet Authority received a strong response from public safety and government groups supporting its reauthorization. Established by Congress in 2021, the FirstNet Authority is up for reauthorization in 2027. In a proactive response, nineteen key public-safety and government-oriented groups expressed support through letters calling for Congress to reauthorize the FirstNet Authority before it sunsets in two years.
PSBTA Connect: FirstNet Forums, Podcasts & Webinars
Podcasts & Webinars for First Responders
Technical Solution Podcasts & Webinar Series brings the most current network and technology information to you, our Nation’s first responder as part of our ongoing effort to ensure you are included in the development and evolution of FirstNet – the first and only nationwide public safety communications ecosystem with a dedicated, physically separate network, whose core purpose is to support the first responders. The PSBTA is working in collaboration with FirstNet Built with AT&T to bring the public safety community the latest information on public safety communications and FirstNet in order to provide the opportunity for professionals to collaborate and exchange ideas. Topics discussed at the forums include:
- Cutting edge technology designed to make your job easier and safer;
- Firsthand insights on FirstNet at work in the both emergency and non- emergency settings, and;
- Facilitated Podcasts & Webinar sessions designed to foster a robust discussion on the end-user’s needs and vision for FirstNet.
Please join us and be a part of the growth and evolution of public safety communications through FirstNet, your public safety network.
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FirstNet Community Collaboration Forums
The PSBTA FirstNet™ Community Collaboration Forums are a series of regionalized presentations with panelists from the FirstNet Authority, both national and local team members with FirstNet built with AT&T, ecosystem developers, a federal grants specialist, and a townhall with our board members.
The forums are custom-built to connect you with the leaders in the FirstNet ecosystem. Find the community collaboration forum serving your area and register today to reserve your spot!
Sponsored By;
Why Join the Public Safety Broadband Technology Association?
By participating in the Public Safety Broadband Technology Association (PSBTA), you will have the opportunity to learn, contribute, engage and shape the future of public safety technology. FirstNet is changing the world and changing it in ways never imagined. FirstNet will save lives, protect first responders, create efficiencies within public safety, and save local governments precious tax dollars. PSBTA membership is one way to be part of the evolution and revolutionary changes now and as we innovate our way forward into the future.
Learn, Contribute, Engage, & Shape the Future of Public Safety Technology
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Learn, Contribute, Engage, & Shape the Future of Public Safety Technology
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Company
PUBLIC SAFETY BROADBAND TECHNOLOGY ASSOCIATION
Operated by
Public Safety 360, LLC
Address
3540 W Sahara Ave. #316
Las Vegas, NV 89102