What Is FirstNet?

What is FirstNet?

With the support of Congress, Public Safety’s vision is now a reality – FirstNet is public safety’s dedicated network operationalizing public safety spectrum to meet public safety needs. In 2009, the leadership of the major nationwide public safety organizations came together for the first time ever to ask Congress for dedicated spectrum and funds to build out and maintain the first-ever Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (NPSBN). In 2012, the U.S. Congress, in a bipartisan effort, allocated 20 MHz of spectrum (D Block) and $7 billion to public safety and created FirstNet and the governing framework, the FirstNet Authority.

After one of the largest and most rigorous federal procurement processes, the FirstNet Authority awarded a 25-year contract to AT&T to build, operate, maintain, and enhance the NPSBN. It has become the most successful private-public partnership in the country.

FirstNet is the one and only dedicated nationwide public safety wireless broadband network in the United States. The network is specifically designed by public safety, for public safety, and is managed by the FirstNet Authority.

Today, it has exceeded all expectations. After connecting nearly 7 million devices and more than 30,000 agencies and organization with over 265 user devices, FirstNet has become the largest and most successful public-private partnership in history that exceeds all expectations without the expenditure of taxpayer dollars. Reinvestment of funds into the FirstNet network ensures coverage while supporting the advancement of first responder communications.

What is the FirstNet Authority?

The First Responder Network Authority, or the FirstNet Authority, is housed within the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The FirstNet Authority is charged with oversight of FirstNet (network), ensuring the needs of public safety are heard by factoring their input into network planning and investments.

The FirstNet Board was established as part of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012. Representatives include the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Attorney General, and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget as permanent members. The remaining members are selected by the Secretary of Commerce and have public safety, technical, network, and/or financial expertise.

The Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) is a group of external advisors, representing all public safety disciplines. The FirstNet Authority established the PSAC in February 2013 consisting of members representing all disciplines of public safety as well as state, territorial, tribal, and local governments. PSAC also has at-large members and federal members. The mission of the PSAC is to assist the FirstNet Authority in carrying out its duties and responsibilities.

As part of the PSAC, the Tribal Advisory Group (TAG) include volunteer delegates from associations with diverse geographic and disciplinary interests in tribal public safety and was established to provide advice on Indian Country outreach, education, and inclusive engagement strategies. The intent is to inform and involve federally recognized tribes as it relates to their use of the FirstNet network.

The FirstNet Authority team works to advance public safety communications tools and innovations, support the FirstNet ecosystem of apps, devices, and capabilities, and oversee the growth and evolution of FirstNet.

Learn more about the history of FirstNet and the FirstNet Authority.